Anurogryllus arboreus
Walker, 1973
Common Short-tailed Cricket, Arboreal Short-tailed Cricket
Anurogryllus arboreus is a burrowing to the southern and southeastern United States. are pale with and shed their shortly after maturation, becoming permanently flightless. Males call from elevated perches at night to attract females. The was separated from the widespread Anurogryllus muticus in 1973 based on male calling and morphological differences.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Anurogryllus arboreus: //æn.jʊˌrɒ.ˈɡrɪl.ləs ɑːrˈbɔːr.i.əs//
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Identification
Distinguished from Anurogryllus muticus by male calling and specific morphological traits; from A. celerinictus (Florida only) by geographic range. The and -shedding behavior are diagnostic for the ; identification requires examination of male calling behavior and subtle morphological differences.
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Habitat
Terrestrial; occupies self-constructed underground burrows in soil. Burrows typically 10–20 cm deep with side chambers for residence and feeding, plus a refuse chamber. Some tunnels extend to roots for feeding without surfacing. Burrow entrance usually plugged with soil or vegetation when the is inside.
Distribution
Atlantic coastal plain from New Jersey south to Florida and westward to southeastern Texas. Records from Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, and Illinois.
Seasonality
Breeding occurs once annually between April and June. active year-round in suitable climates within range.
Diet
Feeds on roots accessed via tunnels; also gathers vegetation for provisioning .
Life Cycle
breeding cycle. Female lays several dozen in a breeding chamber, tends them by palpation and turning, and vegetation for newly-hatched . Female also lays trophic (unfertilized) eggs as food for nymphs. Nymphs remain in compact group, often on chamber roof, and follow female when nearby. Female typically dies when nymphs are part-grown; nymphs then disperse and construct individual burrows.
Behavior
Solitary and ; constructs and maintains elaborate burrow systems. Males dig temporary burrows; females may occupy one burrow for extended periods. Males emerge at nightfall and call from elevated perches (trees or other high structures) in early night hours. Female aggressively defends burrow against male intrusion. Burrow entrance kept plugged when is not foraging or seeking mates.
Ecological Role
Soil engineer through burrow construction; via decomposition of material in refuse chambers; feeding on plant roots.
Similar Taxa
- Anurogryllus muticusFormerly considered ; distinguished by male calling and morphological differences per Walker 1973 revision
- Anurogryllus celerinictusOnly other U.S. ; restricted to Florida , separated by geographic distribution
More Details
Taxonomic History
Split from Anurogryllus muticus by T.J. Walker in 1973 based on behavioral and morphological evidence; previously nearly all U.S. short-tailed were assigned to A. muticus
Parental Care
Female exhibits extended parental care including tending, provisioning with vegetation, and production of for nourishment—unusual among