Anabrus simplex

Definition

A large, flightless shield-backed katydid (subfamily Tettigoniinae, family Tettigoniidae) native to western North America, commonly known as the Mormon cricket despite not being a true cricket (family Gryllidae). Adults are typically 5–7 cm in body length, wingless, and exhibit periodic outbreak populations that can cause extensive defoliation of rangeland vegetation including sagebrush, forbs, and cereal crops. The species is univoltine, with eggs diapausing through winter in soil.

Etymology

Anabrus from Greek ana- (up, back) + bruein (to be full, teeming), possibly alluding to eruptive population dynamics; simplex Latin for simple, unadorned.

Example

Outbreak populations of Anabrus simplex in the Great Basin have historically required control efforts by road construction crews and agricultural agencies, with swarms dense enough to halt wagon traffic and modern vehicles alike.

Synonyms

• Mormon cricket

Related Terms

• Tettigoniidae
• katydid
• shield-backed katydid
• Orthoptera
• population outbreak
• Diapause
• Gryllidae

Usage Notes

The common name "Mormon cricket" is entrenched in North American literature but taxonomically misleading; specialists may prefer "western shield-backed katydid" or simply the scientific name. Two subspecies have been described (A. s. maculatus, A. s. nigra) but their validity varies in recent treatments. Not to be confused with true crickets (Gryllidae) or the genus Anabrus with other species (e.g., A. cerciata).