Page 151 - Florida Pest Control Examinations

HOUSE CRICKET FIELD CRICKET- ADULT FEMALE
ADULTS & NYMPH

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
JERUSALEM CRICKET NORTHERN MOLE CRICKET

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
1.Antenna- long, slender 6.Thorax CRICKET
2.Eyes- compound 7.Petiole- none 1
3.Head 8.Abdomen- stout 8 10
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- reddish brown, & black
5.Wings 10.Other- powerful hind legs
Life Cycle
Between 150-700 eggs are laid, many eggs overwintering to hatch in the
spring. There are 7-9 larval instars, and nymphs develop in 50-90 days 4
on the average. Some nymphs may also overwinter. There can be from
1-3 generations per year.
Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
CRICKETS

There are several prominent crickets that can be a nuisance. Actual size 3/4”

House Cricket adults are between 3/4-7/8 inches long, and have 3 dark cross bands on its head that
differentiate it from the field cricket. It usually tries to move indoors in cooler months, especially in the
evenings. Once inside, they often feed on clothing or carpet, hiding during the day, and being most ac-
tive at night. The males make a frail chirping noise, and it is the most numerous cricket in Florida.
Field Cricket adults are between 1/2 to 1 1/4 inches long, and are black, brown or reddish in color.
They will feed on just about any organic matter, and can become an agricultural pest.
They are most prominent in late spring and early summer. Males make a loud chirping noise.

The Jerusalem Cricket is very large—up to 2 inches long and amber colored. It can actually bite with
strong force. It requires high humidity, and is most prominent in spring. The Jerusalem Cricket lives in
burrows in the ground, and feeds on roots, dead animal matter, and can sometimes be cannibalistic. It
is rapidly becoming a major problem in the state, and should be reported if found.

Mole Crickets are also found in the state. There are several types of these large crickets, most promi-
nent are the Northern and Southern Mole Crickets, and the Tawny Mole Cricket.

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