Camel Crickets
Rhaphidophoridae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Orthoptera
- Suborder: Ensifera
- Infraorder: Tettigoniidea
- Family: Rhaphidophoridae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhaphidophoridae: /ræfɪˈdɒfəraɪdiː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
Rhaphidophoridae, commonly known as camel crickets, cave crickets or sand treaders, are nocturnal, flightless insects characterized by their long legs and antennae, commonly found in cool, damp environments. They are primarily scavengers with a worldwide distribution and have been noted for their unique adaptations to dark and moist habitats.
Physical Characteristics
Hump-backed appearance, large hind legs with drumstick-shaped femora, long slender tibiae, and elongated antennae. Brownish coloration; adults reach up to 25 mm in body length. Wingless, some species exhibit reduced or absent eyes in dark environments.
Identification Tips
Look for their distinctive large hind legs and long antennae; they are typically wingless and hump-backed.
Habitat
Prefers cool, damp locations such as caves, leaf litter, under logs, and stones. Sand treaders inhabit sandy dune areas, living in burrows.
Distribution
Worldwide; widespread in North America and also found in Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
Diet
Primarily omnivorous; feeds on decaying organic matter including plant, animal material, and fungi. Some will catch and eat smaller animals.
Life Cycle
Life cycle and detailed life stages not specified; will not reproduce indoors without continuous dark, moist conditions.
Reproduction
Detailed reproductive behavior is not specified but occurs in dark, moist environments.
Predators
Predation includes birds like LeConte's thrasher and various insects.
Ecosystem Role
Plays a role as scavengers in ecosystems, recycling nutrients through consumption of organic matter.
Economic Impact
Considered a nuisance in homes but not of significant economic importance; may cause minor damage to stored items.
Cultural Significance
Cave and camel crickets have been found in archaeological contexts, indicating interaction with prehistoric humans; in Japan, they have cultural significance and are referred to as 'kamado-uma' or 'benjo korogi'.
Health Concerns
Harmless to humans, except for occasional minor damage to stored items. No significant health concerns.
Collecting Methods
- Pitfall traps
- Hand collection
Preservation Methods
- Drying
- Ethanol preservation
Similar Taxa
- Members of the family Tettigoniidae
- Field crickets from the superfamily Grylloidea
Misconceptions
Cave crickets are often mistaken for field crickets due to their similar appearance, though they belong to different families.
Tags
- Insects
- Orthoptera
- Cave Crickets
- Camel Crickets