Oceanic Field Cricket vs Sand Wasp

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Oceanic Field Cricket Sand Wasp
Scientific Name Teleogryllus oceanicus Bembix rostrata
Order Orthoptera Hymenoptera
Family Gryllidae Crabronidae
Size Body 22-28 mm 15-22 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Beaches & Coastal
Diet Parasites Nectar Feeders
Regions Australia, Pacific Islands, Hawaii Europe, North Africa, Central Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Oceanic Field Cricket

A widespread Pacific cricket found from Australia to Hawaii with a loud, clear chirp. Some Hawaiian populations have rapidly evolved silent wings to avoid parasitic flies.

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Did You Know?

In just 20 generations, Hawaiian males evolved flat, silent wings to escape a parasitic fly that locates hosts by sound.

Sand Wasp

A robust wasp that digs burrows in sandy soil and provisions them with flies. It progressively feeds its larvae fresh prey over several days.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most solitary wasps, the mother continues to care for and feed her larvae after hatching.