Neonemobius cubensis
(Saussure, 1874)
Cuban Ground Cricket
Neonemobius cubensis is a small ground cricket known from the Caribbean region and parts of the southeastern United States. The is notable for an unusual mating in which females feed on glandular tibial spurs of males during copulation, leaving visible damage on previously mated males. It belongs to the Trigonidiidae, a group of crickets often associated with ground-dwelling habits.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Neonemobius cubensis: /ˌniːoʊˈnɛmoʊbiəs kjuˈbɛnsɪs/
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Distribution
Caribbean region including Cuba and the Bahamas; also recorded from the southeastern United States (Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut).
Behavior
During mating, the female feeds upon the male's glandular tibial spurs. Males that have mated previously can be identified by damage to their tibial spurs resulting from this .
More Details
Taxonomic History
Originally described as Nemobius cubensis by Saussure in 1874, later transferred to the Neonemobius.
Mating System
The tibial spur feeding represents a form of sexual or feeding, though the precise adaptive function remains to be fully determined.