Mammoth Cave Beetle vs Saddle-backed Bush-cricket

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mammoth Cave Beetle Saddle-backed Bush-cricket
Scientific Name Xenotrechus condei Ephippiger ephippiger
Order Coleoptera Orthoptera
Family Carabidae Tettigoniidae
Size 5-7 mm 22-30mm
Habitat Caves Heathland
Diet Omnivores Omnivores
Regions United States Europe
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Mammoth Cave Beetle

A rare troglobitic ground beetle known from caves in the Ozark region of Missouri. It is eyeless with greatly elongated appendages.

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Did You Know?

It was not discovered until 1987, despite extensive surveys of Missouri caves.

Saddle-backed Bush-cricket

A robust bush-cricket named for its saddle-shaped pronotum. It has vestigial wings used only for sound production. Both males and females can stridulate and will duet with each other.

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Did You Know?

Both sexes sing, and females respond to male calls, making them one of the few katydids where both sexes duet.