Pine Chafer vs African Mole Cricket

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pine Chafer African Mole Cricket
Scientific Name Polyphylla fullo Gryllotalpa africana
Order Coleoptera Orthoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Gryllotalpidae
Size 25-36mm 30-40 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Gardens
Diet Root Feeders Root Feeders
Regions Europe Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Pine Chafer

A large brown chafer beetle with white marbled markings on its elytra. Males have enormous fan-shaped antennae with seven lamellae.

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Did You Know?

When handled it produces a loud hissing sound by rubbing its abdomen against its wing cases which can startle predators.

African Mole Cricket

A widespread mole cricket found across Africa and southern Asia, common in irrigated croplands and garden soils. It is considered a significant agricultural pest in rice paddies and vegetable gardens.

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Did You Know?

In parts of Southeast Asia, mole crickets are collected and eaten as a protein-rich delicacy, fried or roasted.