Western Tree Cricket
Oecanthus californicus
This record describes Oecanthus californicus (species). Recorded family: Oecanthidae. Recorded order: Orthoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Western tree crickets are quite diverse in pattern and coloration - SINA Red scape and pedicel (1st two antennal segments) with black antennae. Additionally, californicus often has a thin dark line on the inner edge of the ventral surface of the first two antennal segments. The tree crickets of New York: life history and bionomics is a great source for 'everything you ever wanted to know about tree crickets'
Wikipedia reference for Oecanthus californicus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oecanthus_californicus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids)
- Suborder
- Ensifera
- Family
- Oecanthidae (Tree and Bush Crickets)
- Subfamily
- Oecanthinae
- Genus
- Oecanthus (Common Tree Crickets)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Shrubby vegetation and low trees - SINA
Geographic Range
CA-TX-OK-ID-BC - Map - SINA
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Nov (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Undergo a paurometabolous development (Gradual Metamorphosis). Nymphs resemble small adults and gradually develop external wing buds. They live in the same habitat as adults, typically taking the same food.
About Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids: the wider group
Order-level background for Orthoptera, the group containing Oecanthus californicus. 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 Western Tree Cricket (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Wisconsin Oecanthinancy; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , David Ferguson
Frequently Asked Questions About Western Tree Cricket
What is Western Tree Cricket?
Western Tree Cricket (Oecanthus californicus) is a species in the family Oecanthidae, within the order Orthoptera.
How big is Western Tree Cricket?
Length 14–18 mm - SINA
How do you identify Western Tree Cricket?
Western tree crickets are quite diverse in pattern and coloration - SINA Red scape and pedicel (1st two antennal segments) with black antennae. Additionally, californicus often has a thin dark line on the inner edge of the ventral surface of the first two antennal segments.
Where is Western Tree Cricket found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Shrubby vegetation and low trees - SINA |
| Range | CA-TX-OK-ID-BC - Map - SINA |
When is Western Tree Cricket active?
Western Tree Cricket: seasonal activity - Apr-Nov (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Western Tree Cricket?
Undergo a paurometabolous development (Gradual Metamorphosis). Nymphs resemble small adults and gradually develop external wing buds. They live in the same habitat as adults, typically taking the same food.