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Northern Mole Cricket

Northern Mole Cricket

Neocurtilla hexadactyla

A species of Neocurtilla, Also known as Mole cricket

The northern Mole Cricket (Neocurtilla hexadactyla) is a unique cricket that spends its life living and raising its young underground. It does this by having front feet that look similar to what you would expect from a mole. It is considered a pest that can destroy the lawns of areas they invade.

General Info About Northern Mole Cricket
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Attributes of Northern Mole Cricket
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Northern Mole Cricket is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Northern Mole Cricket feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Chewing mouthparts
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Species Status of Northern Mole Cricket
It is native to eastern North America. It also occurs in South America, where it may be an adventive species.
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Distribution Area of Northern Mole Cricket
Southern and eastern Canada, eastern and central United States
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Appearance of Northern Mole Cricket
Northern Mole Cricket is a large and medium-sized insect with a tan overall, thick chest and a pair of tail whiskers at the end of the abdomen. Its forefoot is a pair of digging feet.
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How to Identify Northern Mole Cricket?

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Life Cycle of Northern Mole Cricket
Egg The egg of the northern Mole Cricket is typically oval and deposited in soil. Development time varies by temperature and species, but this is where embryogenesis occurs, leading to the formation of the first instar nymph.
Nymph After hatching, the northern Mole Cricket nymph closely resembles the adult in appearance, albeit smaller, lacking fully developed wings and reproductive organs. With each molt, it grows larger, and its wings gradually develop, though not yet functional.
Adult Emerging as a mature northern Mole Cricket, the adult has fully developed wings and reproductive organs. Body structure is hardened, size is largest in lifecycle, and colors may be more vivid. The adult focuses on reproduction and may exhibit swarming behavior.
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Adult Size of Northern Mole Cricket
2 - 3.5 cm
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Predators of Northern Mole Cricket Larvae
Birds, rodents, spiders, certain insects like predacious ground beetles
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Scientific Classification of Northern Mole Cricket
Tips for Finding Northern Mole Cricket
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Youth Habitat of Northern Mole Cricket
Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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Adult Habitat of Northern Mole Cricket
Grasslands and Prairies, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Urban and Suburban Areas
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How Can You Attract Northern Mole Cricket
Northern Mole Cricket are primarily detritivorous and omnivorous, feeding on roots, plant material, and small invertebrates. An effective trap for northern Mole Cricket might include bait with vegetables or grains that appeal to their diet.
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Habitat Preferences of Northern Mole Cricket Through Different Life Stages
The eggs of northern Mole Cricket are typically laid in underground chambers in moist soil, often in grasslands or agricultural fields. Nymphs continue to live in subterranean environments where they undergo development, feeding on plant roots and invertebrates. Adults of northern Mole Cricket primarily reside underground but may come to the surface, especially at night or after rain. To search for them, one should carefully dig around the damp, loose soil of well-vegetated areas or areas with crops during the night or after rainfall when they are more active and likely to be near the surface.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Northern Mole Cricket
Northern Mole Cricket are typically more active at night, which makes the evening the most suitable time for attempting to find them. This is when they come out to feed, mate, or relocate, making them easier to spot.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Northern Mole Cricket
Moist soil conditions and humid weather are more favorable for finding northern Mole Cricket, as these conditions are essential for their survival and ease of movement through the substrate.
Are Northern Mole Cricket harmful?
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Harmful Effects of Northern Mole Cricket
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Garden and Landscape Pest

Northern Mole Cricket can cause significant damage to lawns, vegetables, and ornamental plants. Nymphs and adults chew and bore through roots and stems, compromising plant health. Infestation signs include yellowing, wilting, and plant death. Damage can range from mild to severe, affecting plant aesthetics and productivity, indirectly impacting human enjoyment and economic value.

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Agricultural Pests

Adults and nymphs of northern Mole Cricket burrow through soil, damaging plant roots and stems, which can hinder nutrient uptake. In large numbers, this could lead to reduced yields in crops like rice, corn, and potatoes, potentially affecting food supply and economic stability.

More Effects of Northern Mole Cricket

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More Insects that are Similar to Northern Mole Cricket
Southern mole cricket
Southern mole cricket

The southern mole cricket (Neoscapteriscus borellii) is identified with its brown to a somewhat pink color palette. It also has four pale spots on its body. Contrary to some crickets, this one is primarily carnivorous. Otherwise, it is differentiated from the Northern mole cricket with a higher-pitched, faster chirp.

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Gryllotalpa orientalis is a species of mole cricket in the family Gryllotalpidae, commonly known as the oriental mole cricket. It is found in much of Asia and Australasia. At one time, this species was misidentified as G. africana and thought to have a widespread distribution in both Africa and Asia, but in the 1980s, G. orientalis was recognised as a separate species. It is a polyphagous pest, damaging crops by gnawing their roots.

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African mole cricket
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