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Mole cricket

Mole crickets are burrowing insects in the family Gryllotalpidae, within the order Orthoptera.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mole crickets are burrowing insects in the family Gryllotalpidae, within the order Orthoptera. They are named for their mole-like forelegs and underground lifestyle, and many species live in moist soil where they feed on roots and other small organisms. Some species are widespread and can become agricultural or turf pests.

Taxonomy and naming

Mole crickets belong to the family Gryllotalpidae in the insect order Orthoptera. Their common name refers to their mole-like digging behavior and forelegs.

Physical characteristics

They typically have cylindrical bodies, small eyes, and enlarged forelegs adapted for digging. Adults are commonly around 3–5 cm long, though size varies among species.

Life cycle and behavior

Mole crickets go through egg, nymph, and adult stages. They are mostly nocturnal and subterranean, with adults in many species able to fly and disperse to new areas.

Ecology and diet

Different species may be herbivores, omnivores, or partly predatory. Many feed on roots and underground plant parts, while others also consume small invertebrates such as worms and grubs.

Relationship with humans

Several mole cricket species are considered pests because they damage turf, lawns, and crops by feeding underground and tunnelling through soil. In some regions, they are a notable concern in agriculture and turf management.

Key facts

  • Mole crickets are not true crickets but a distinct family within Orthoptera.
  • Their front legs are enlarged and shovel-like for digging underground.
  • Adults are usually cylindrical-bodied and brown, with small eyes and a velvety or hairy appearance.
  • Most species spend much of their life underground in moist soil.
  • Some species are important pests of turfgrass, lawns, and crops.
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Canadian context

Mole crickets are of interest to Canadian readers mainly through entomology, turf management, and invasive-species awareness, since some species are important pests in temperate regions.

Frequently asked questions

What is a mole cricket?
A mole cricket is a burrowing insect in the family Gryllotalpidae, known for its digging forelegs and underground habits.
Why is it called a mole cricket?
It is called a mole cricket because its front legs are adapted for digging in a way that resembles a mole’s burrowing lifestyle.
Are mole crickets true crickets?
They are related to crickets and grasshoppers, but are classified in their own family, Gryllotalpidae, within Orthoptera.
What do mole crickets eat?
Their diet varies by species and may include roots, plant material, worms, grubs, seeds, and other small invertebrates.
Are mole crickets pests?
Some species are agricultural or turf pests because they damage roots, disturb soil, and harm lawns, golf courses, and crops.
Where do mole crickets live?
They occur in many parts of the world and usually live in moist soil, grasslands, lawns, and agricultural areas.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mole_cricket
    Supports: Family Gryllotalpidae, order Orthoptera, body form, life stages, diet, distribution, pest status.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/animal/mole-cricket
    Supports: Definition, number of species, morphology, burrowing habits, and feeding on roots.
  3. UF/IFAS Extension — https://sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/lawn-and-garden/mole-crickets/
    Supports: Pest status, turfgrass damage, species examples, underground lifestyle.
  4. WebMD — https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/mole-crickets-what-to-know
    Supports: General description, size, nocturnal underground behavior, diet, and pest impact.
  5. Texas A&M AgriLife Extension — https://aggieturf.tamu.edu/turfgrass-insects/mole-cricket/
    Supports: Orthoptera/Gryllotalpidae classification.
  6. Field of Mars Environmental Education Centre — https://fieldofmar-e.schools.nsw.gov.au/fact-sheets/invertebrates/mole-crickets-fact-sheet
    Supports: Morphology, habitat, and classification in accessible educational form.