About Southern Mole Cricket
A South American mole cricket that has become an invasive turf pest in the southern United States and Australia. It tunnels through soil near the surface, severing grass roots and leaving raised trails.
Did You Know?
It can fly strongly at night and is attracted to lights, which is how it colonized new areas after its accidental introduction.
How to Identify Southern Mole Cricket
Southern Mole Cricket (Neoscapteriscus borellii) belongs to the order Orthoptera, family Gryllotalpidae. Adults typically measure 25-35 mm.
Southern Mole Cricket Habitat
Southern Mole Cricket is found in deserts & drylands habitats, particularly across South America (native), Southern United States (invasive), Australia (invasive). This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Southern Mole Cricket Diet and Feeding
Southern Mole Cricket feeds on plant roots, typically during its larval stage. Root feeders can affect plant health and are sometimes considered agricultural pests.
Where Is Southern Mole Cricket Found?
Southern Mole Cricket can be found in South America (native), Southern United States (invasive), Australia (invasive), where it inhabits deserts & drylands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Southern Mole Cricket can be found
Is Southern Mole Cricket Dangerous?
Southern Mole Cricket is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Southern Mole Cricket Role in Nature
Southern Mole Cricket is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Southern Mole Cricket
What does Southern Mole Cricket look like?
The Southern Mole Cricket typically measures 25-35 mm.
Where is Southern Mole Cricket found?
The Southern Mole Cricket is found in South America (native), Southern United States (invasive), Australia (invasive) and typically inhabits deserts & drylands environments.
What does Southern Mole Cricket eat?
The Southern Mole Cricket feeds on plant roots.
Is Southern Mole Cricket dangerous to humans?
The Southern Mole Cricket is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Southern Mole Cricket?
It can fly strongly at night and is attracted to lights, which is how it colonized new areas after its accidental introduction.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Southern Mole Cricket (Neoscapteriscus borellii). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/southern-mole-cricket
MLA:
"Southern Mole Cricket." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/southern-mole-cricket.