Cricket (Insect)

Over 2000 species of true crickets (superfamily Grylloidea) are known worldwide. Closely related species include the long-horned GRASSHOPPERS, basement-inhabiting camel crickets and katydids. All belong to the order Grylloptera, with 96 representatives in Canada.

Structure

These species resemble grasshoppers with long antennae. Crickets are frequently wingless. All have hind legs adapted for leaping. Their front wings, when present, lie flat on the back; the ovipositor is needlelike or spear-shaped. Most species are nocturnal and feed on plant and animal matter.

Reproduction and Development

Eggs are laid singly in the ground, or in twigs by some species. These eggs overwinter, producing one generation annually in northern areas. The chirping songs of true crickets, often high-pitched, pulsating or buzzing, are very familiar. Usually, only the males produce these sounds, which are used to attract females.

Interaction with Humans

Crops and gardens can be severely damaged by black field crickets (genus Gryllus), which can also invade dwellings in autumn. Twigs and berry canes are damaged by pale green tree crickets (genus Oecanthus).

Author P.W. RIEGERT

Suggested Reading
V.R. Vickery and D.K. McEwan Kevan, The Grasshoppers, Crickets and Related Insects of Canada and Adjacent Regions (1985).

Links to Other Sites
Canadian Biodiversity Website
A great information source for all budding biologists. Learn about biodiversity theory, natural history, and conservation issues. From McGill’s Redpath Museum.

E-Fauna BC
An extensively illustrated guide to wildlife species found in British Columbia. Covers bats, birds, beetles, bugs and much more. Also features an insect glossary and notes about invasive species. A biogeographic initiative of the Lab for Advanced Spatial Analysis, Department of Geography, UBC.

The Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes
This website provides information about the scope and contents of the Canadian National Collection of Insects, Arachnids and Nematodes. Check the “Index” link for illustrated descriptions of various taxonomic groups.

University of Alberta's E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Check out images and information about insect specimens found in the University of Alberta's E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum, one of the most significant insect collections in Canada.

Aquatic Invertebrates of Alberta Online Textbook
An online guide to all major groups of Alberta's aquatic invertebrates. Offers illustrated details of the natural history of each group as well as tips on collecting and preserving specimens. A University of Alberta website.