Australian Mole Cricket vs Japanese Antlion

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Australian Mole Cricket Japanese Antlion
Scientific Name Gryllotalpa pluvialis Hagenomyia micans
Order Orthoptera Neuroptera
Family Gryllotalpidae Myrmeleontidae
Size 30-45 mm 60-80 mm wingspan
Habitat Rivers & Streams Rivers & Streams
Diet Root Feeders Omnivores
Regions Australia Japan, Korea, Eastern China
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Australian Mole Cricket

A native Australian mole cricket that emerges from the soil in large numbers after heavy rains. It is attracted to lights on warm, wet nights.

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Did You Know?

Its species name pluvialis means rain-loving, referring to its habit of mass emergence after heavy downpours.

Japanese Antlion

A large East Asian antlion with glossy wings and a robust body. A familiar summer insect across Japan attracted to artificial lights.

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Did You Know?

In Japanese folklore, antlion larvae are called 'arijigoku' meaning 'ant hell.'