Jerusalem Cricket

Description:

Despite their common name, Jerusalem crickets are not true crickets, as they belong to the family Stenopelmatidae, while crickets belong to the family Gryllidae; nor are they native to Jerusalem. 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.

Habitat:

Western United States.

Notes:

Discovered this one in the subway canyon at Zion National Park.