White Sand-treader Cricket
Ammobaenetes arenicolus
This record describes Ammobaenetes arenicolus (species). Recorded family: Rhaphidophoridae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinction from D. phrixocnemoides is weak. Shape of external plates associated with male genitalia are different, and D. arenicola is lighter in coloring.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Ensifera
- Family
- Rhaphidophoridae (Camel Crickets)
- Subfamily
- Ceuthophilinae
- Genus
- Ammobaenetes (Sand-treader Crickets)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
known from gypsum dunes in Doña Ana and Otero Counties, New Mexico
Seasonal Activity
adults apparently most common in late spring
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Originally described as a distinct species, but two years later considered a race of D. phrixocnemoides by the name's original author. Treated as a distinct species at Orthoptera Species File .
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Ammobaenetes arenicolus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Orthoptera includes ~28,000 described species of grasshoppers, crickets, and katydids. Desert locusts can form swarms covering 460 square miles containing up to 80 million individuals per square kilometer.
Ecological role of the group
Grasshoppers and crickets are a primary food source for birds, reptiles, and small mammals. Cricket farming is a growing industry - crickets require 12× less feed than cattle to produce the same amount of protein, using 2,000× less water.
Economic and practical significance of the group
A single large locust swarm can consume the same amount of food in one day as 35,000 people. The 2019-2021 East Africa locust crisis affected food security for 42 million people across multiple countries. Global crop losses from locusts can reach billions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: FAO, UN World Food Programme, research publications. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of White Sand-treader Cricket (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by David J. Ferguson; Additional contributions by Astrobirder
Frequently Asked Questions About White Sand-treader Cricket
What is White Sand-treader Cricket?
White Sand-treader Cricket (Ammobaenetes arenicolus) is a species in the family Rhaphidophoridae, within the order Orthoptera.
How do you identify White Sand-treader Cricket?
Distinction from D. phrixocnemoides is weak. Shape of external plates associated with male genitalia are different, and D. arenicola is lighter in coloring.
Where is White Sand-treader Cricket found?
Range: known from gypsum dunes in Doña Ana and Otero Counties, New Mexico
When is White Sand-treader Cricket active?
White Sand-treader Cricket: seasonal activity - adults apparently most common in late spring.