Carolina Leaf-roller Cricket
Camptonotus carolinensis
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Orthoptera
- Suborder: Ensifera
- Infraorder: Tettigoniidea
- Family: Gryllacrididae
- Genus: Camptonotus
- Species: carolinensis
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Camptonotus carolinensis: /ˌkæmpˌtoʊˈnoʊtəs kəˌroʊlɪˈnɛnsɪs/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Camptonotus carolinensis, also known as the Carolina leaf-roller cricket, is notable for its unique behavior of rolling leaves for shelter and its role as a nocturnal predator in deciduous forests of the eastern United States; it is the only leaf-rolling cricket in North America.
Physical Characteristics
12-15 mm in length; antennae at least 5x as long as body; commonly apterous; ovipositor often upturned and carried over the back.
Identification Tips
Look for the long antennae and the distinctive leaf-rolling behavior; mainly found in treetops.
Habitat
Deciduous forests.
Distribution
Mostly found in the southeastern United States, from eastern Texas to Florida and north to Pennsylvania. Recent reports indicate a presence in southern New York and Connecticut.
Diet
Hunts and feeds on aphids at night.
Life Cycle
Nymphs observed from July to August, with adults present in September to October in North Carolina.
Reproduction
Ovipositor may be upturned, used to deposit eggs in a suitable location.
Predators
Sphex nudus is a major predator of this species.
Ecosystem Role
As a predator, it helps control aphid populations.
Evolution
Only leaf-rolling cricket known in North America, distinguishing it from other cricket species.
Misconceptions
May be confused with other crickets due to its size and habitat preferences, but the leaf-rolling behavior is unique to this species.
Tags
- Cricket
- Insect
- Gryllacrididae
- Camptonotus
- North America