Ground Crickets

Nemobiinae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Orthoptera
Suborder: Ensifera
Infraorder: Gryllidea
Family: Gryllidae
Subfamily: Nemobiinae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Nemobiinae: /nɛ.moʊˈbaɪ.iˌneɪ/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Nemobius sylvestris female (11139164906) by Gilles San Martin from Namur, Belgium. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Carolina Ground Cricket (Eunemobius carolinus) - Gatineau Park, Quebec 2016-09-22 (01) by Ryan Hodnett. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Carolina Ground Cricket (Eunemobius carolinus) - Gatineau Park, Quebec 2016-09-22 (02) by Ryan Hodnett. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Carolina Ground Cricket (Eunemobius carolinus) - Guelph, Ontario 2015-08-16 by Ryan Hodnett. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Allonemobius socius by Robert Webster. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Neonemobius variegatus by Erik Attaway. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Summary

Nemobiinae, or Ground Crickets, represent a diverse group of small crickets characterized by their bristly bodies and specific skeletal structures. They are found in various habitats and play a significant role in their ecosystems. Identification often relies on careful examination of morphology and behaviors, with many species appearing quite similar.

Physical Characteristics

Ground Crickets are typically small insects, under 15 mm (0.6 in) long, with densely bristled thoraxes and abdomens. They possess four pairs of long, movable spines above the tip of the abdomen. Their ovipositor varies from long and straight to short and curved. The body is generally brown, aiding in camouflage among leaf litter.

Identification Tips

Field identification can be aided by examining the ovipositor (sword-like in females), the density of bristles, and the arrangement of spines on the hind legs. A view from both the underside and the upper side helps in determining the genus. Size can also be indicative, with measurements typically given from the face to the end of the abdomen.

Habitat

Typically found in woodland and pastureland, often among leaf litter and plant bases.

Distribution

Worldwide, with around 200 species.

Diet

Omnivores, feeding on a variety of plant and animal matter.

Reproduction

Females lay eggs using their ovipositor, which can take on varied forms from long and straight to short and curved.

Ecosystem Role

Ground Crickets contribute to the ecological balance by acting as omnivores and prey for other wildlife in their habitats.

Collecting Methods

Hand collecting
Pitfall traps
Sweep nets

Preservation Methods

Ethanol storage
Pinned specimens
Drying and mounting

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Ground Crickets might be confused with Field Crickets or Bush Crickets due to similarities in size and habitat, but can be distinguished by their specific anatomical features and behaviors.