Eastern Trilling Cricket
Gryllus rubens
This record describes Gryllus rubens (species). Recorded family: Gryllidae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Very like Gryllus texensis and integer , which are found mostly further west; however, those species sing with a less continuous trilling, making the western species sound as if they are missing on one cylinder, or stuttering slowly - just a bit. G. rubens tends to have a continuous song with few or no interruptions until it stops. These three are very similar, and perhaps (???) regional variants of one (or two) species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Ensifera
- Family
- Gryllidae (True Crickets)
- Subfamily
- Gryllinae
- Genus
- Gryllus (Field Crickets)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Southeastern U.S. from Missouri south and east to coast from eastern Texas to Deleware/Virginia. Recently found in Ohio as well.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Apparently multiple broods, or long-lived, with adults possible year-round in far south. However, adults are most abundant and prevalent in spring. Probably overwinters primarily as nymphs.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Gryllus rubens. 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 Eastern Trilling Cricket (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by David J. Ferguson; Additional contributions by metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Eastern Trilling Cricket
What is Eastern Trilling Cricket?
Eastern Trilling Cricket (Gryllus rubens) is a species in the family Gryllidae, within the order Orthoptera.
Where is Eastern Trilling Cricket found?
Habitat: Southeastern U.S. from Missouri south and east to coast from eastern Texas to Deleware/Virginia. Recently found in Ohio as well.
What is the life cycle of a Eastern Trilling Cricket?
Apparently multiple broods, or long-lived, with adults possible year-round in far south. However, adults are most abundant and prevalent in spring. Probably overwinters primarily as nymphs.