Description
Current specimens are about 3/4 of an inch, and growing…
Jerusalem crickets are nocturnal monsters that strike fear in the hearts of ordinary humans (non-hobbyists). In Mexico they are known as Niño de la Tierra, which means Child of the Earth. They are known in some areas of the country as Potato Bugs which probably reflects their occurrance in areas where potatoes grow well. Potato bugs is a horrible name since it is applied to many bugs in this country, some of them native and some of them non-native (like the potato itself). That they are better known as Jerusalem crickets isn’t really much better, but the story if you find it out there on the internet is a better one! Words are almost as interesting as bugs. There just aren’t nearly as many of them.
J crickets are long-lived…maybe a year…or two+? They feed well on bits of apple, carrot, and dried pet foods (and, yes, potatoes). Is there anything they don’t eat? They tolerate dryness but like a slightly moist substrate. They will burrow if given room to.
Females will lay eggs in captivity, though I’m not sure anybody has ever hatched them. If you do, I’d love to hear about it!
