African Mole Cricket vs Heart and Dart

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Mole Cricket Heart and Dart
Scientific Name Gryllotalpa africana Agrotis exclamationis
Order Orthoptera Lepidoptera
Family Gryllotalpidae Noctuidae
Size 30-40 mm 32-40 mm wingspan
Habitat Gardens Farmland
Diet Root Feeders Root Feeders
Regions Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia Europe, temperate Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

African Mole Cricket

A widespread mole cricket found across Africa and southern Asia, common in irrigated croplands and garden soils. It is considered a significant agricultural pest in rice paddies and vegetable gardens.

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Did You Know?

In parts of Southeast Asia, mole crickets are collected and eaten as a protein-rich delicacy, fried or roasted.

Heart and Dart

An extremely common brown moth named for the heart and dart-shaped markings on its forewing. It is often the most abundant species in light traps across Europe.

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Did You Know?

A single light trap can capture over a thousand individuals in one night during peak emergence.