Tridactylidae
Guides
Ellipes californicus
Ellipes californicus is a species of pygmy mole cricket in the family Tridactylidae, described by Günther in 1985. The genus Ellipes is characterized by reduced wings and fossorial (burrowing) adaptations. This species is known from the northwestern region of Mexico. Like other tridactylids, it likely inhabits moist sandy or muddy soils near water bodies and possesses enlarged hind legs adapted for jumping.
Ellipes gurneyi
Ellipes gurneyi is a minute pygmy mole cricket in the family Tridactylidae, measuring 4–5 mm in length. It is found in California and the southern United States. The species was described by Günther in 1977. Like other tridactylids, it exhibits a mole-cricket-like body form adapted for burrowing.
Ellipes minuta
Smaller Sand Cricket
Ellipes minuta, commonly known as the Smaller Sand Cricket, is a species of pygmy mole cricket in the family Tridactylidae. This small orthopteran is adapted for burrowing in sandy substrates, with modified forelegs for digging. The species occurs across a broad geographic range including parts of North, Central, and South America. Like other members of the genus Ellipes, it inhabits moist sandy areas near water bodies where it can burrow and feed.