Cricket

Crickets are medium-sized insects (.25-2 in long) with larger back legs, long thin antennae, and wings bent down against their body. Most are brown, but some are green or black. From above, they may look flat. Not all of them are able to fly.

Field Crickets are common in grasslands, forests, and urban areas, hiding under rocks or plants. They can be found in Canada below the 55th Parallel and across the United States. Most species are nocturnal and feed on plant and animal matter.

Crickets are related to Long-horned Grasshoppers and Katydids.

Did you know? Male Crickets attract females by rubbing one forewing against the other to make chirping sounds. They will find and defend a location where they can get the best sound possible.

See Also: Cicada, Grasshopper, Katydid

Forests are large areas of trees growing close together.

Grasslands are large open areas covered with grasses. They have very few trees or shrubs. This habitat includes prairies and tundra.

Urban areas have a large population within a defined area. This includes villages, towns, and cities.