Jerusalem Cricket
All About The Fascinating Jerusalem Cricket
The Jerusalem cricket is a much fabled, and there are quite a few misconceptions about what they are and what they are actually capable of. The Jerusalem cricket, first of all, is not a cricket at all, but an arthropod. A direct relative of the cockroach family, he has a large, almost human like head which can be a bit creepy at first, and second, glance. There is folklore which finds him crying like a human child, and this is absolutely false information. Though charming in a story, the sounds that he makes in no way resemble any other creature, and two of his most important communication vibrations cannot be heard by us at all. If only he could talk, maybe he could tell us what’s going on with crazy, big head.
The Jerusalem cricket has a very distinctive drumming call, and this happens in three to four beats at a time in intervals of about two to three seconds. He does not have the ability, like other members of his cockroach family, to force air through his abdomen in order to create rubbing or hissing noises. His noises and calls are all derived from leg vibrations, slower and faster variations of these beats against the washboard surface of his under abdomen. He is nocturnal, which is why you will hear him thumping and rubbing while the sun goes down and through the night, just as true crickets do.
The Jerusalem cricket also eats many of the same elements as do the true crickets, but this can seem similar to the average wood roach as well. Decomposing plant and organic material is a fast favorite, and you are bound to find more and more pests in an area where compost and dead plants are plentiful. This is why the perimeter of your home should be completely clear of all natural debris during the summer and fall seasons. Wood roaches don’t need much encouragement in order to take the next step into your house, and having compost or dead leaves and grass beneath your doors and windows will definitely roll out the red carpet.
The Jerusalem cricket doesn’t seem to have ears in order to hear, and the consensus is that they are more receptive to vibrations than to actual audible sounds. The Jerusalem cricket is not venomous, contrary to even more folklore still, and cannot do long term damage should they bite. The bite is painful, as his mouthparts are strong and sharp, but there are no poisons or toxins for him to pass along. He can let out one heck of a stench, however, and rumors of this secretion are fully true. His defensive stench is one that you won’t soon forget!