Stenopelmatidae

Definition

A family of large, flightless orthopteran insects within the order Orthoptera, commonly known as Jerusalem crickets or sand crickets. Members are characterized by robust bodies, powerful digging forelegs, and reduced or absent wings. The family comprises five tribes in the single subfamily Stenopelmatinae, including New World genera (Stenopelmatus, Ammopelmatus) and Old World genera (Oryctopus, Sia).

Etymology

From the type genus Stenopelmatus (Greek stenos 'narrow' + pelma 'sole of the foot') + -idae (family suffix)

Example

Stenopelmatus fuscus, the common Jerusalem cricket of western North America, is a nocturnal burrower that feeds on roots, tubers, and other insects.

Related Terms

• Orthoptera
• Jerusalem cricket
• Stenopelmatus
• Ensifera
• Gryllidae
• flightlessness
• Fossorial

Usage Notes

Formerly split into multiple subfamilies (Stenopelmatinae, Siinae, Oryctopinae), but current taxonomy recognizes a single subfamily Stenopelmatinae with five tribes. Not true crickets despite common names; phylogenetic placement within Ensifera remains under study. Often confused with wetas (Anostostomatidae) due to convergent morphology.