Jerusalem Cricket

Potato Bug and Niño de la Tierra (Child of the Earth) are common names for this mysterious insect. With its big head and overall size of up to two inches, it never fails to surprise me when I come across one while working outdoors. Most often we meet when I am digging in the soil. Overturning rocks or items on the ground will sometimes expose them. Each one looks a little different; some are quite plump and round while others are more elongated. Their colors can be lighter or darker, too. Usually, they just want to get away. I will gently move them to safety with a gloved hand so they can get back to eating dead organic matter away from where I am working.
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