My initial response to finding this mole cricket was EEEEEWWWW! It’s so gross, and I had no idea what it was. John had to identify it for me. He knew right away, but I’ve never seen one before. After a little internet research, it seems I’m not alone. Mole crickets are common but rarely seen. They burrow underground and are considered pests because they dig up lawns. What it was doing in a box in our garage, I don’t know. Hopefully, it was lost and alone.
Alone but not lonely, it is Valentine’s Day. And since they can’t rely on their good looks, male mole crickets have developed a romantic side. The go-to move of a mole cricket is a moonlit serenade. They settle into their burrows at night and sing to their potential valentines flying overhead. Sweet, isn’t it?
Very interesting!
Thanks! Happy Valentine’s Day!