Gryllodes

Saussure, 1874

decorated crickets, tropical house crickets

Species Guides

1

Gryllodes is a of crickets in the Gryllidae, tribe Modicogryllini. The genus contains at least three described , with Gryllodes sigillatus being the most widely known and economically significant. This species, commonly called the tropical house cricket or decorated , has a distribution associated with human habitation and is extensively cultured for pet food and human consumption. The genus is notable for its specialized mating involving .

Gryllodes by (c) Franz Anthony, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Franz Anthony. Used under a CC-BY license.Gryllodes sigillatus by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC0 license.Gryllodes sigillatus 21 06 by Frank Falconer. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Gryllodes: /ˈɡrɪloʊˌdiːz/

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Habitat

in this , particularly Gryllodes sigillatus, are strongly associated with human-modified environments. They occur in urban areas, buildings, and agricultural settings in tropical and subtropical regions. The type species has been described as specifically adapted to environments created by human habitation.

Distribution

Recorded from Australia, Asia, Africa (Ethiopia), central Europe, and subtropical and tropical Americas. Gryllodes sigillatus has a distribution due to human-mediated transport. Gryllodes supplicans has been documented in the southwestern United States. The first record of G. sigillatus from Colombia was published in 2011.

Behavior

Males of Gryllodes sigillatus produce a gelatinous () attached to the sperm capsule during mating, which females consume during sperm transfer. Females prefer males with shorter song pulses, which are associated with larger body size. Males engage in postcopulatory mate guarding, with guarding duration influenced by the presence of potential rival males and alternative mates. The exhibits a distinctive calling song used in mate attraction. Wind-evoked escape responses have been documented as a avoidance mechanism.

Human Relevance

Gryllodes sigillatus is cultured extensively for pet food and as a feeder insect for reptiles and other captive animals. It has been promoted as a replacement for Acheta domesticus following of Acheta domesticus Densovirus, as it is to this and has narrower that may reduce potential. The is also farmed for human consumption as an alternative protein source.

Similar Taxa

  • GryllusBoth are in Gryllidae and share general ; Gryllodes is distinguished by its association with human habitation, production, and narrower compared to the widespread, Gryllus
  • AchetaBoth are cultured for pet food and human consumption; Gryllodes sigillatus has replaced Acheta domesticus in some commercial operations due to resistance to AdDNV, with G. sigillatus distinguished by its tropical distribution and

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