Jerusalem Cricket

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Common names: Jerusalem Cricket

Scientific name: Stenopelmatus fuscus

Region: This cricket is found in the western United States, especially along the Pacific Coast.

Life cycle: This insect produces one generation each year and overwinters in the egg stage.

Physical Description: This 1 1/2 inch long cricket is brown with darker brown stripes over its abdomen.  It is very shiny with a large head and spined legs.  It's also wingless and very slow moving.  This insect has many closely related species, like the Camel Cricket.

Its oval eggs are white and are laid in soil.

Feeding characteristics: This pest will occasionally attack potato and decaying organic matter, but often eats other insects.

Controls: This cricket is primarily a beneficial insect and controls are not necessary.