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Stenopelmatus sp.
Jerusalem crickets are a group of large, flightless insects of the genus Stenopelmatus. They are native to the western United States and parts of Mexico. In California, the Jerusalem cricket is often referred to as a “potato bug”. Its large, human-like head has inspired both Native American and Spanish names. Despite their common name Jerusalem crickets are not true crickets, as they belong to the family Stenopelmatidae while the latter belong to the family Gryllidae; they are not native to Jerusalem, and they do not prefer potatoes for food. These nocturnal insects use their strong mandibles to feed primarily on dead organic matter but can also eat other insects. Their highly adapted feet are used for burrowing beneath moist soil to feed on decaying root plants and tubers. While Jerusalem crickets are not venomous they can emit a foul smell and are capable of inflicting a painful bite. (information from Wikipedia)
Also known as "Child of the Earth."
9 Comments
I don't know why they wouldn't be there. Check out this link and look at the reported range via BugGuide. This is based on people reporting them, and while none have been reported on that site from Kansas, they appear as though they should be there.
http://bugguide.net/node/view/39450/data...
Whoa, those things live in Oklahoma!? Any chance I'd see one in Kansas?
great photo
looks like a mole cricket in some aspects. Thanks for the information, Goody. I think the "child of the earth" is an appropriate and cute name..
Thank you. This is from a number of years ago, so my equipment and technique were not what they are today. I'm just glad I got some representative shots that are useable.
looks like a caricature
awesome! that is one big ugly bug
very nice, and thank you for adding the quarter for scale.
Nice macro!