Latin name: Gryllidae
Common name: Cricket
Insect family: Gryllidae, order: Orthoptera
Date/Location of specimen: http://www.havardpest.com/images/cricket.jpg
Description: Crickets are worldwide in distribution and known for the musical chirping of the male. Crickets vary in length from 3 to 50 mm (0.12 to 2 inches). They have thin antennae, hind legs modified for jumping, three-jointed tarsal (foot) segments, and two slender abdominal sensory appendages (called cerci). The two forewings are stiff and leathery, and the two long, membranous hind wings are used in flying.
Male crickets produce musical chirping sounds by rubbing a scraper located on one forewing along a row of about 50 to 250 teeth on the opposite forewing. 1
Crickets chirp at different rates depending on their species and the temperature of their environment. Most species chirp at higher rates the higher the temperature; each species has its own rate.2
Pest/Disease & Gardening Limitations: Crickets are used as food in Southeast Asia, where they are sold deep-fried in markets as snacks. They are also used to feed carnivorous pets and zoo animals.2
References:
1 http://www.britannica.com/animal/cricket-insect
2 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cricket_(insect)
Collection Sample # 4 of 8 INSECTS?
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