Camel Cricket

Camel crickets get their common name because of their humpbacked appearance, the cave cricket group because of being found frequently in caves, and the stone cricket group probably because they often are found under stones. They are widespread in the United States and in the world.

Recognition

Adults are about 1/2-1 1/4 inch in body length with females ovipositor often exceeding half its body length. Color light to dark brown, often mottled with lighter or darker areas. Antennae threadlike, much longer than body, with basal segments touching or nearly so. Wingless. Hind femora typically about as long as body, hind tibiae often longer, without sound producing structures.

Nymphs are similar to adults except they are smaller and lack an ovipositor.

Habits

Outdoors around buildings, they are typically found in cool, moist situations such as under mulch, stones, railroad ties, woodpiles, debris, etc. They are nocturnal or active at night and hide during the day. They also can be found around homes are in wells, drainage culverts/pipes, under A/C units or their concrete pads, sheds, etc. Indoors, they can become problems in damp basements, utility rooms, crawl spaces, garages, and occasionally in attics. They often invade structures when it becomes hot and dry outside.