Florida panhandle Pygmy Mole Cricket
Neotridactylus insularis
This record describes Neotridactylus insularis (species). Recorded family: Tridactylidae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Similar to N. archboldi , but overall more dark brown and more matte texture, and found in disjunct range.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Caelifera
- Family
- Tridactylidae (Pygmy Mole 'Crickets')
- Genus
- Neotridactylus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
coastal dune scrub
Geographic Range
Barrier islands of Walton, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties, Florida.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Neotridactylus insularis. 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 Florida panhandle Pygmy Mole Cricket (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by metrioptera
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida panhandle Pygmy Mole Cricket
What is Florida panhandle Pygmy Mole Cricket?
Florida panhandle Pygmy Mole Cricket (Neotridactylus insularis) is a species in the family Tridactylidae, within the order Orthoptera.
How do you identify Florida panhandle Pygmy Mole Cricket?
Similar to N. archboldi , but overall more dark brown and more matte texture, and found in disjunct range.
Where is Florida panhandle Pygmy Mole Cricket found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | coastal dune scrub |
| Range | Barrier islands of Walton, Santa Rosa, and Okaloosa counties, Florida. |