Jerusalem Cricket
Ammopelmatus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Orthoptera
- Suborder: Ensifera
- Infraorder: Tettigoniidea
- Family: Stenopelmatidae
- Genus: Ammopelmatus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Ammopelmatus: //ˌæmoʊˈpɛlmətəs//
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Images
Summary
Ammopelmatus is a genus of large, flightless insects commonly known as Jerusalem crickets or potato bugs, characterized by their robust body structure and large heads. They play diverse roles in their ecosystems, primarily as predators and decomposers, and are recognized in several Native American cultures.
Physical Characteristics
21-69 mm long; wingless; long antennae; wide front of pronotum; very large head; robust tibiae with spines for digging; tarsi with pads beneath; hind femora do not extend beyond the tip of abdomen.
Identification Tips
Antennal structure widely separated at base; large head size; robust limbs with digging adaptations; typically found in arid environments.
Habitat
Found in burrows and under rocks or logs; can also be found wandering on the surface at night.
Distribution
Primarily found in the western United States, west of 100th meridian, extending to western Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas; also native to northwestern Mexico.
Diet
Predatory on other insects; also feeds on roots, decaying vegetation, and sometimes potatoes; certain species may consume dog food in captivity.
Life Cycle
One generation per year; the female lays masses of oval, white eggs in soil; life cycle described based on Mimne's observations for Stenopelmatus fuscus.
Reproduction
The female creates a depression in the soil to lay eggs; males provide a spermatophore, which may rub off easily if the female digs too much; females are known to sometimes devour the male post-mating.
Ecosystem Role
Predator of other insects and decomposer through feeding on decaying plant matter.
Economic Impact
Sometimes found eating cultivated plants like potatoes; can be pests in agricultural settings.
Cultural Significance
Known as Woh-tzi-Neh in Navajo culture, translated as 'old bald-headed man' or 'bone-neck beetle.'
Health Concerns
Said to have a strong bite but not dangerous to humans. Can make a good terrarium pet.
Collecting Methods
- Hand collecting
- Light trapping
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Drying
Evolution
Formerly placed in the genus Stenopelmatus; the genus Ammopelmatus is under revision as its phylogenetic relationships are being further explored.
Similar Taxa
- Stenopelmatus
- Highly similar Jerusalem Cricket genera
Misconceptions
Often confused for crickets or cockroaches due to their appearance; the term 'potato bug' is misleading since not all species feed on potatoes.
Tags
- Ammopelmatus
- Jerusalem Cricket
- Potato Bug
- Stenopelmatidae
- Insecta