Jerusalem crickets

Definition

A family of large, flightless, fossorial orthopteran insects (Stenopelmatidae) native to western North America, characterized by a rounded head, striped abdomen, and powerful digging legs. Despite their common name, they are neither true crickets (family Gryllidae) nor native to Jerusalem; the name derives from a folk etymology of 'potato bug' (Spanish 'niña de la tierra' corrupted to 'Jerusalem'). Adults are nocturnal, feed on underground tubers and decaying matter, and produce sound by drumming the abdomen against the substrate rather than stridulation.

Etymology

From folk corruption of 'potato bug' via Spanish 'niña de la tierra' (child of the earth); 'Jerusalem' is a mishearing with no connection to the city.

Example

Stenopelmatus fuscus, the most widespread species, is often found in sandy soils where it excavates shallow burrows and emerges at night to forage for roots and dead insects.

Synonyms

• potato bugs
• niñas de la tierra
• stone crickets
• sand crickets

Related Terms

• Stenopelmatidae
• Orthoptera
• Ensifera
• Fossorial
• stridulation
• drumming communication
• Gryllidae
• true crickets

Usage Notes

The term 'Jerusalem cricket' is a misnomer: these insects belong to family Stenopelmatidae, not Gryllidae (true crickets), and are more closely related to katydids. The name 'potato bug' is also applied to unrelated beetles (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), causing confusion. In scientific contexts, prefer 'stenopelmatids' or the family name. The vernacular name is always plural in common usage, though singular 'Jerusalem cricket' is grammatically acceptable.