Lesser Short-winged Mole Cricket
Neoscapteriscus abbreviatus
This record describes Neoscapteriscus abbreviatus (species). Recorded family: Gryllotalpidae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adults with very reduced wings. Accidentally introduced from South America Florida University
Identification notes
Adults with very reduced wings.
Wikipedia reference for Neoscapteriscus abbreviatus: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neoscapteriscus_abbreviatus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Ensifera
- Family
- Gryllotalpidae (Mole Crickets)
- Genus
- Neoscapteriscus (Two-clawed Mole Crickets)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Sandy soils, usually near the coast; beaches, lawns, fields, and groves.
Geographic Range
South America; introduced in isolated areas along the coast of Florida and Georgia
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Neoscapteriscus abbreviatus. 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 Lesser Short-winged Mole Cricket (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by David J. Ferguson; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Lesser Short-winged Mole Cricket
What is Lesser Short-winged Mole Cricket?
Lesser Short-winged Mole Cricket (Neoscapteriscus abbreviatus) is a species in the family Gryllotalpidae, within the order Orthoptera.
How do you identify Lesser Short-winged Mole Cricket?
Adults with very reduced wings.
Where is Lesser Short-winged Mole Cricket found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Sandy soils, usually near the coast; beaches, lawns, fields, and groves. |
| Range | South America; introduced in isolated areas along the coast of Florida and Georgia |