Jerusalem Cricket vs South African Cave Cricket

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Jerusalem Cricket South African Cave Cricket
Scientific Name Stenopelmatus fuscus Speleiacris tabulae
Order Orthoptera Orthoptera
Family Stenopelmatidae Rhaphidophoridae
Size 30-50 mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Caves
Diet Root Feeders Fungus Feeders
Regions North America South Africa
Conservation Least Concern Vulnerable

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.

South African Cave Cricket

A cave cricket endemic to caves on the Cape Peninsula of South Africa. It has reduced eyes and pale brown coloration.

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Did You Know?

It is one of very few cave crickets known from the African continent.