Post by trehopr1 on Jun 25, 2021 17:07:02 GMT -8
Here is a (female) specimen of the Mormon cricket (Anabrus simplex)
which I have only just prepared.
Despite its name, the Mormon cricket is actually a species of
shieldbacked Katy-did, not a cricket. It takes its name from
Mormon settlers in Utah, who encountered them while pushing
westward.
Although flightless, the Mormon cricket is capable of traveling
up to 2 kilometers a day in its "swarming" phase; during which
it is considered a serious agricultural pest and traffic hazard
(to this day).
Mormon crickets have variable coloration with most ranging somewhere
between reddish looking, brown, or black (while swarming). Solitary
individuals typically have green or purple coloration.
Females have a quite long ovipositor present with which to lay their eggs
in the ground. They average 7-8 cm (head to ovipositor tip) ; whilst males
measure between 5-6 cm respectfully.
This robust species may be found in the rangelands of Utah, Idaho, and Nevada
dominated by sagebrush and forbs.
Much like the locust plagues of biblical lore Mormon crickets may undergo
morphological changes triggered by high population densities. On occasion,
when that happens they eat all the available food within the immediate vicinity
and then proceed to move en-masse in a great horde to other places (eating
everything green in their path).
While these creatures may not be a yearly problem to deal with; they do
hit their record numbers when all the right factors (conditions) fall into
place.
In 2003, officials in all 3 of the above mentioned states said that year's
infestations might be the worst in recent history.
A sight to behold in life, en-masse, and as a specimen in your collection !
which I have only just prepared.
Despite its name, the Mormon cricket is actually a species of
shieldbacked Katy-did, not a cricket. It takes its name from
Mormon settlers in Utah, who encountered them while pushing
westward.
Although flightless, the Mormon cricket is capable of traveling
up to 2 kilometers a day in its "swarming" phase; during which
it is considered a serious agricultural pest and traffic hazard
(to this day).
Mormon crickets have variable coloration with most ranging somewhere
between reddish looking, brown, or black (while swarming). Solitary
individuals typically have green or purple coloration.
Females have a quite long ovipositor present with which to lay their eggs
in the ground. They average 7-8 cm (head to ovipositor tip) ; whilst males
measure between 5-6 cm respectfully.
This robust species may be found in the rangelands of Utah, Idaho, and Nevada
dominated by sagebrush and forbs.
Much like the locust plagues of biblical lore Mormon crickets may undergo
morphological changes triggered by high population densities. On occasion,
when that happens they eat all the available food within the immediate vicinity
and then proceed to move en-masse in a great horde to other places (eating
everything green in their path).
While these creatures may not be a yearly problem to deal with; they do
hit their record numbers when all the right factors (conditions) fall into
place.
In 2003, officials in all 3 of the above mentioned states said that year's
infestations might be the worst in recent history.
A sight to behold in life, en-masse, and as a specimen in your collection !
