Species · GBIF taxon 1716128
European Mole Cricket
Gryllotalpa gryllotalpaAlso known as Common Mole Cricket, Churr-worm, Eve-churr
European mole crickets are subterranean insects easily recognized by their powerful, spade-like forelegs adapted for digging through soil. They spend most of their lives underground, excavating complex tunnel networks and feeding on roots, tubers, and soil invertebrates. During spring nights, males construct horn-shaped burrow entrances that amplify their loud, continuous chirping song to attract flying females.
SubterraneanNocturnalBurrowing
Licensed referenceEszter Kovács / CC BY-SA 2.0 de · cc-by-sa
- diet
- Omnivorous (roots, tubers, earthworms, and insect larvae)
- family
- Gryllotalpidae
- threats
- Pesticide use, habitat loss, and soil compaction
- life Span
- 2 to 3 years
LC
Can deliver a pinch with their powerful digging legs or mandibles; handle with care.
Equipped with powerful, heavily sclerotized forelegs and strong mandibles used for digging and chewing through tough roots.
Avoid squeezing or tightly holding the insect; observe it on a flat surface or let it walk freely.- Listen at Dusk: Listen for a low, mechanical whirring sound coming from damp lawns or fields on warm spring evenings.
- Look for Mounds: Search for small, pushed-up ridges of soil resembling miniature molehills, which indicate active tunneling.
- Gentle Handling: If you find one above ground, let it crawl onto your hand rather than grasping it, as its digging claws can scratch.