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Stenopelmatus sp.
The Jerusalem Cricket, Potato Bug or Cara de Niño is a burrowing orthopteran of the Family Stenopelmatidae. This group needs systematic revision and more careful studies on the species of the United States and Mexico. While most photographers assign the Zion National Park Stenopelmatus to the species "fuscus", it really is not easily clear which species is which. These insects are innocuous but are large enough to give a good bite if handled roughly. They feed on roots underground and often come out on the surface at night. This one was just emerging from its burrow under a rock at about 9:30 at night. About 3 cm long.
At the base of the W Rim Trail close to the Virgin River, Zion National Park, Utah.
Spotted on Jun 1, 2016
Submitted on Jul 6, 2016
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