|
Members
of this family are known as mole crickets and are often heard, especially
on warm, humid nights rather than seen. These crickets have become
adapted to a habitat completely different from most other Orthoptera,
spending most of their time in burrows below ground. Most species
have well-developed wings and are capable of flight, often being
attracted to lights on moonless nights.
Mole
crickets are usually brownish in colour and are most recognisable by their
large, flat forelegs, which are especially adapted for use as a shovel
for excavating burrows. They have short, brown hairs covering their bodies,
giving them a velvety appearance.
Mole
crickets predominantly feed on vegetable matter but are also known to
eat worms and other insects, which they may encounter, underground or
just at the surface of the burrows. When mature, male mole crickets will
sit in the entrance to their burrow in a specially designed dome shaped
opening and sing for a mate. The shape of the burrow opening amplifies
the sounds of their calls. This singing is also used to warn off other
male crickets. Female mole crickets lay eggs within their own burrows,
remaining close by to protect them until they hatch. The nymphs resemble
adults but are smaller and lack wings. They develop through several moults,
growing wing buds which eventually develop into wings with the final moult.
For
more molecricket species visit the Australian
Insect Common
Names
- Gryllotalpidae section found here.
|
