Neoscapteriscus borellii

Distinguished from Neoscapteriscus vicinus by the widely separated tibial dactyls (claws) on the forelegs; N. vicinus has claws that nearly touch at the base. Distinguished from N. abbreviatus by fully developed wings capable of flight—N. abbreviatus has hind wings shorter than the forewings and is flightless. Males produce a low-pitched trilling call with a pulse rate of about 50 per second, typically sung within two hours of sunset.

Adults reach approximately 3 cm in length. The forelegs are highly modified for digging, bearing two sharp claws separated at the base by a gap half the width of a claw—this distinguishes the species from Neoscapteriscus vicinus, which has claws that nearly touch at the base. The tegmina extend beyond the prothorax, and the membranous hind wings are longer than the abdomen, unlike the short-winged mole cricket (N. abbreviatus) which cannot fly. The frons and clypeus are uniformly brown in both sexes.

Inhabits shallow burrows in sandy soils. Found in lawns, pastures, golf courses, and agricultural fields where soil conditions permit tunneling. Tolerates both sandy and heavier clay soils, though prefers sandy substrates. In its native range, occurs in coastal and inland sandy habitats in South America.

Native to South America (Argentina, Bolivia). Introduced to the southern United States, where it is established from eastern Texas through the Gulf Coast states to Georgia and the Carolinas, with records extending northward. Distribution in the U.S. is generally east of Interstate 35 from Dallas to Corpus Christi and eastward.

Adults are active from spring through fall. Breeding occurs primarily in spring. In southern Florida, two generations of nymphs may develop during summer; only one generation occurs further north. Autumn breeding produces large overwintering nymphs. Adults and nymphs overwinter in soil. Males call primarily within two hours of sunset.

Primarily predatory, feeding on insects and earthworms. Unlike the closely related Neoscapteriscus vicinus and N. abbreviatus, which are herbivorous and feed on plant roots, this species obtains most nutrition from animal prey. Captive individuals have been observed to accept various insects.

Eggs are deposited in soil chambers during spring. Nymphs develop through summer, with instars progressing underground. Some nymphs mature to adults by fall; others remain as large nymphs that overwinter and complete development the following spring. Typically one generation per year in most of the range, with partial second generation possible in southern Florida.

Nocturnal surface foraging and tunneling activity. Males produce species-specific acoustic calls to attract females. When disturbed, individuals exhibit a characteristic death-feigning response, remaining motionless briefly before rapid escape. Capable of fast running but not jumping. Flight activity occurs at night.

In native South American range, populations are regulated by natural enemies including parasitoid wasps (Larra bicolor), parasitoid flies (Ormia depleta), and entomopathogenic nematodes (Steinernema scapterisci). In the introduced U.S. range, absence of these natural enemies contributes to pest status. As a predator, may influence soil invertebrate communities, though quantitative impacts are poorly documented. Tunneling activities alter soil structure and water relations.

Significant invasive pest of turfgrass, pasture, and agricultural systems in the southeastern United States. Economic damage results from tunneling that uproots plants, loosens soil, and promotes desiccation rather than direct feeding. Subject to biological control programs in Florida using introduced natural enemies from South America. No insecticides are labeled for control in forage crops; soap flush technique is used for monitoring. First detected in Georgia in 2010 and has since expanded its range.

• Neoscapteriscus vicinusTawny mole cricket has foreleg claws that nearly touch at the base, versus widely separated in N. borellii; also herbivorous rather than predatory.
• Neoscapteriscus abbreviatusShort-winged mole cricket has hind wings shorter than forewings and is flightless, versus fully winged and capable of flight in N. borellii.

• invasive species
• pest
• biological control
• fossorial
• predatory
• acoustic communication

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