Elegant Cave Cricket vs Differential Grasshopper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Elegant Cave Cricket Differential Grasshopper
Scientific Name Ceuthophilus elegans Melanoplus differentialis
Order Orthoptera Orthoptera
Family Rhaphidophoridae Acrididae
Size 12-18 mm 28-50 mm
Habitat Caves Farmland
Diet Fungus Feeders Herbivores
Regions United States North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Elegant Cave Cricket

A moderately-sized cave cricket found in caves and dark sheltered areas across the eastern United States. It has a mottled brown body pattern.

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Did You Know?

Despite its name, it is also commonly found in basements and crawl spaces.

Differential Grasshopper

A large spur-throated grasshopper recognized by the herringbone pattern on its hind femora. It is a significant agricultural pest in North America.

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Did You Know?

Differential grasshoppers can eat about half their body weight in vegetation each day, causing millions of dollars in crop damage during outbreaks.