Ammopelmatus

Tinkham, 1965

Jerusalem crickets, potato bugs, North American Jerusalem Crickets

Species Guides

6

Ammopelmatus is a of large, flightless crickets in the Stenopelmatidae, commonly known as Jerusalem crickets or potato bugs. The genus was erected by Tinkham in 1965 and underwent massive taxonomic revision in 2025, expanding from 12 recognized to 117 valid species across the western United States and northwestern Mexico. These insects are among the largest in western North America, with some exceeding 12 grams. The genus exhibits exceptional concentrated in Southern and Central California, with most species having limited geographic distributions.

Ammopelmatus by (c) Jared Shorma, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jared Shorma. Used under a CC-BY license.Ammopelmatus pictus 247759360 by Monica Ventrice. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.Ammopelmatus muwu 152496005 by Steph Cárdenas. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ammopelmatus: //ˌæmoʊˈpɛlmətəs//

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

Identification

Ammopelmatus are distinguished from the related Stenopelmatus by genitalic characters and geographic distribution. Species-level identification requires examination of calling drum patterns, karyotype, and detailed morphological features. The genus is characterized by large size (1–2.5 inches), wingless condition in all life stages, large ovoid , shiny brown with dark stripes, and spiny hind legs. Sympatric species may be distinguished by premating barriers involving calling song drums and postmating barriers related to number.

Images

Habitat

Ground-dwelling insects found beneath rocks, logs, and boards during daytime hours, particularly in summer months. surface activity for feeding. span diverse across western North America with highest concentration in arid and semi-arid regions of Southern and Central California.

Distribution

Western United States and northwestern Mexico. Highest in Southern and Central California; significant radiation also occurs in the Mojave Desert, Sierra Nevada, and Baja California regions. Distribution characterized by limited-range with geographic proximity of nearest genetic relatives.

Seasonality

reproductive dormancy has been documented. Surface activity primarily with daytime -seeking beneath ground cover.

Diet

, feeding on plant roots, tubers, and fruits; has been observed to scavenge on dead animal matter and prey on insect larvae or wounded insects.

Behavior

foraging with sheltering beneath rocks, logs, and boards. Unique sound production by thumping against ground (drumming), with -specific patterns used for communication. Calling song drums may function as premating isolating mechanisms where species occur sympatrically. Slow crawling locomotion due to wingless condition.

Ecological Role

Important prey item for birds of prey including barn owls, burrowing owls, and kestrels, particularly during winter months. Scavenging and feeding contributes to nutrient cycling in soil .

Human Relevance

Subject of considerable mythology regarding perceived dangerousness due to large size and formidable appearance, though essentially harmless to humans. Can bite if handled carelessly. Occasionally feeds on potato tubers but not considered an agricultural pest. Frequently misidentified as Asian giant hornet ('murder ') in media reports. Cultural names include 'Niña de la Tierra' (Spanish: 'little girl of the earth') and Woh-tzi-Neh (Native American: 'old bald-headed man'). Popular subject of educational outreach at entomology museums.

Similar Taxa

  • StenopelmatusFormerly congeneric; distinguished by genitalic and distribution in different geographic regions
  • Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia)Frequently misidentified due to large size and media attention; distinguished by six legs versus four, winged condition, and completely different body plan

Misconceptions

Despite ferocious appearance and large jaws, Jerusalem crickets are essentially harmless to humans and not aggressive. They are not agricultural pests and do not cause noticeable damage to gardens or crops. They are not venomous. The 'potato bug' leads to confusion with Colorado potato beetle and other unrelated insects.

More Details

Taxonomic history

The underwent revolutionary revision in 2025 (Weissman, Zootaxa 5776), recognizing 105 new and establishing 11 major clades and 26 species groups delimited by , , karyotype, , and calling drum patterns. Six previously recognized species were declared nomina dubia.

Conservation significance

The extreme local of many , combined with limited distributions in rapidly developing regions of California, suggests potential conservation concerns for undescribed or narrowly restricted .

Tags

Sources and further reading