Jerusalem Cricket vs Short-horned Grasshopper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Jerusalem Cricket Short-horned Grasshopper
Scientific Name Stenopelmatus fuscus Phymateus morbillosus
Order Orthoptera Orthoptera
Family Stenopelmatidae Pyrgomorphidae
Size 30-50 mm 50-70 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Heathland
Diet Root Feeders Herbivores
Regions North America Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Jerusalem Cricket

A large, flightless insect with a round head and amber-banded abdomen found in western North America. Despite its name it is neither from Jerusalem nor a true cricket.

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Did You Know?

Jerusalem crickets communicate with potential mates by drumming their abdomens against the ground, sending vibrations through the soil.

Short-horned Grasshopper

A toxic foam grasshopper that sequesters milkweed poisons and displays bright warning colors.

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Did You Know?

When attacked it exudes toxic foam from its thoracic glands.