Jerusalem cricket - Definition

Jerusalem cricket
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Arthropoda Class: Insecta Order: Orthoptera Family: Gryllacrididae Genus: Stenopelmatus
Species
Stenopelmatus coahuilensis Stenopelmatus fuscus Stenopelmatus intermedius Stenopelmatus longispina Stenopelmatus mescaleroensis Stenopelmatus navajo Stenopelmatus nigrocapitatus Stenopelmatus pictus

The Jerusalem cricket (Stenopelmatus) is a genus of large, flightless insects native to Southern California and Mexico. Because of its large, human-like head, it is commonly called the niño de la tierra (Spanish for "child of the earth"), or wó see ts'inii (Navajo for "skull insect"). It is also often called the potato bug, or alternatively the old bald-headed man.

Despite their name, potato bugs are neither bugs nor do they prefer potatoes for food. Rather, the nocturnal crickets use their strong mandibles to feed primarily on dead organic materials found near garden plants. They can also use their highly adapted feet for burrowing beneath moist soil to feed on decaying root plants and tubers.

Like other crickets, each species of potato bug produces a different song during mating. Each also exhibits a characteristic drumming in which the insect beats its abdomen against the ground to attract others.

External links

• Phylogenetics of the Mahogany Jerusalem Cricket in Southern California (http://www.werc.usgs.gov/sandiego/jerusalem-crickets.html)
• Jerusalem Cricket (http://www.sdnhm.org/fieldguide/inverts/sten-fus.html), from the San Diego Natural History Museum
• PotatoBugs.com (http://www.potatobugs.com) - Tongue in cheek 'information' pictures and an online forum
• The Potato Bug page on Whatsthatbug.com (http://www.whatsthatbug.com/potato.html)