Sphagnum Ground Cricket
Neonemobius palustris
This record describes Neonemobius palustris (species). Recorded family: Trigonidiidae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Often extremely common in the preferred habitat, but completely absent in adjacent forests/meadows. Can be collected by pressing down on the Sphagnum moss to flood the crickets out from their hiding places.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Ensifera
- Family
- Trigonidiidae (Trigs and Ground Crickets)
- Subfamily
- Nemobiinae
- Genus
- Neonemobius (Small Ground Crickets)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Open sphagnum bogs.
Geographic Range
Manitoba eastward, south to northern Florida.
Seasonal Activity
Adults from late July to frost.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Sphagnum moss.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Neonemobius palustris. 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 Sphagnum Ground Cricket (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Eric R. Eaton; Additional contributions by David Ferguson , Wisconsin Oecanthinancy , metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Sphagnum Ground Cricket
What is Sphagnum Ground Cricket?
Sphagnum Ground Cricket (Neonemobius palustris) is a species in the family Trigonidiidae, within the order Orthoptera.
Where is Sphagnum Ground Cricket found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Open sphagnum bogs. |
| Range | Manitoba eastward, south to northern Florida. |
What does Sphagnum Ground Cricket eat?
The diet of the Sphagnum Ground Cricket includes Sphagnum moss..
When is Sphagnum Ground Cricket active?
Sphagnum Ground Cricket: seasonal activity - Adults from late July to frost..