Raspy Crickets

Gryllacrididae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Orthoptera
Suborder: Ensifera
Infraorder: Tettigoniidea
Family: Gryllacrididae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Gryllacrididae: //ɡrɪˌlækrɪˈdɪdiː//

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

Images

Camptonotus carolinensis by Mike Boone. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.5 license.

Camptonotus carolinensis 224571459 by Zygy. Used under a CC0 license.

Katydid Wasp - Sphex nudus with Carolina Leafroller Cricket - Camptonotus carolinensis, Leesylvania State Park, Woodbridge, Virginia, July 31, 2022 (52255090583) by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Carolina Leaf-roller - Camptonotus carolinensis, Leesylvania State Park, Woodbridge, Virginia by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Carolina Leafroller - Camptonotus carolinensis, Mason Neck, Virginia, August 13, 2021 (52332322190) by Judy Gallagher. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Summary

Gryllacrididae, known as raspy or leaf-rolling crickets, are a family of non-jumping insects characterized by their wingless form and nocturnal habits. They are found worldwide, particularly in Australia, and are recognized for their unique ability to produce silk, which they use for building shelters or for burrowing. The family is divided into two subfamilies: Gryllacridinae and Hyperbaeninae.

Physical Characteristics

Generally wingless, with a body adapted for living in shelters made from leaves or other materials. They can produce silk independently, which shares some structural features with silkworm silk.

Identification Tips

Look for non-jumping, wingless crickets that typically rest in folded leaves during the day and are nocturnal.

Habitat

Leaf-rolling crickets are found in various habitats where they can find suitable material to create shelters, such as forests and grasslands.

Distribution

Worldwide, with many species concentrated in Australia.

Diet

Herbivorous, feeding on plant matter.

Life Cycle

The life cycle is not specifically detailed in the provided content, but similar crickets typically undergo incomplete metamorphosis—egg, nymph, adult stages.

Reproduction

Details on mating and egg-laying behaviors were not provided but generally involves laying eggs in soil or protected areas and might involve silk.

Ecosystem Role

As herbivores, they play a role in plant matter consumption and possibly serve as prey for various predators in their ecosystems.

Cultural Significance

The common name 'raspy crickets' is notably recognized in Australia, indicating some cultural relevance in that region.

Evolution

Raspy crickets evolved the ability to produce silk independently from other insects.

Misconceptions

There may be confusion between raspy crickets and related families like Jerusalem crickets and camel crickets, which have been historically grouped with Gryllacrididae.