Neocurtilla hexadactyla

Neocurtilla hexadactyla, commonly known as the northern mole cricket, is an insect in the family Gryllotalpidae. This species is known for its unique, mole-like appearance and behavior, especially adapted for burrowing. Northern mole crickets have a stocky, cylindrical body, usually brown or tan, with powerful, shovel-like front legs that are adapted for digging. They can grow to be about 3 to 4 centimeters long. These crickets are typically found in moist, sandy soils across North America. They prefer areas like riverbanks, grassy fields, gardens, and sometimes even agricultural fields. Northern mole crickets are excellent diggers, creating complex tunnel systems that they use for foraging and mating calls. Males produce a loud, trilling call to attract females, usually from within a specially constructed acoustic burrow that amplifies the sound. They are omnivorous, feeding on plant roots, small insects, and organic matter found in the soil. Females lay eggs in the soil, and after hatching, the nymphs go through several stages (instars) before reaching adulthood.