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Field Cricket
Gryllus
pennsylvanicus
Description
5/8-1" (15-25 mm). Black to dark
reddish brown. Black antennae longer than body; cerci hairy, longer
than head and prothorax combined. Wings do not project beyond
cerci.
Food
Plant materials outdoors, including seeds
and seedlings of wild and crop plants, small fruits, and when
available, dying and dead insects.
Sound
Common song is a series of triple chirps.
Courtship song is a continuous trill at a pitch near the upper
limits of audibility for the human ear.
Life Cycle
Female inserts eggs singly deep into
the soil. Eggs overwinter in the North, where all unmatured nymphs
and adults die of the frost. In the South nymphs and adults may
overwinter and produce 3 generations a year.
Habitat
Undergrowth where there is moderate
humidity and protection from night winds and cold.
Range
Throughout North America to
Alaska.
Discussion
This cricket enters houses in autumn,
attracted by the warmth. In courtship the male dances about and
"sings" to excite the female.
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