Subfamily Ceuthophilinae

This subfamily has been divided into smaller genus groups or tribes in different ways by different authors. The tribes are difficult to define, as the characters used to define them (such as number of tarsal segments, and arrangement of armament of legs) do not vary in concordance from one genus or species to the next. An example of the problem is shown by obviously closely related genera of "Sand-treader Crickets" ending up placed in different tribes. Until more evidence is presented as to which genera are most closely related to one another and how, and in keeping with Hubbell's 1936 treatment of the genera, separate groups of genera are not listed here.

22 genera are listed by Orthoptera Species File.

Most Camel Crickets found in North America belong to this subfamily. Traits vary greatly from genus to genus. However, the fastigium of the head (on top, between the front of the eyes) is never divided into twinned prominences; it triangular, and may be low and nearly flat to somewhat prominent, with the apex pointing forward and down. All have a 5 or more pairs of movable spurs along the upper side of the hind tibiae (not counting the ones at the very tip), with much smaller spines in between the spurs (other subfamilies do not have this arrangement, except genus Hadenoecus in Tropidischiinae - with a divided fastigium and long spider-like legs).

North America