Ant Crickets
Myrmecophilidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Orthoptera
- Suborder: Ensifera
- Infraorder: Gryllidea
- Family: Myrmecophilidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Myrmecophilidae: //mɜːrmɛˈkɒfɪlɪdiː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
Myrmecophilidae, or ant-loving crickets, are rarely encountered relatives of mole crickets, characterized by their small size, lack of wings, and unique kleptoparasitic relationship with ants.
Physical Characteristics
Very small, wingless, and flattened; resemble small cockroach nymphs. Color ranges from yellow, brown, to nearly black.
Identification Tips
Lack wings and tympanal organs ('ears') on the front tibia; do not produce sound.
Habitat
Typically found in ant nests; some associated with caves and desert vertebrate burrows.
Distribution
Most of the United States, southwestern British Columbia; includes specific species in southern Florida, western states, southcentral states, and along the west coast.
Diet
Obligate kleptoparasites of ants, obtaining food by soliciting trophallaxis or scraping waxes from the bodies of ants.
Ecosystem Role
As kleptoparasites, they play a unique role in the ant ecosystem by interacting with ant species while relying on them for sustenance.
Evolution
Traditionally considered a subfamily (Myrmecophilinae) but treated as a family (Myrmecophilidae) according to certain classifications.
Similar Taxa
- Mole crickets
Misconceptions
May be confused with cockroach nymphs due to their similar appearance; often overlooked because of their size.
Tags
- Myrmecophilia
- Kleptoparasitism
- Ants
- Orthoptera
- Crickets