What is this cricket doing?

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Andy Spicer
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Joined: 2013/09/10 - 11:24
What is this cricket doing?

Any ideas what this cricket is doing?

Two weeks ago, I saw this cricket climbing up the wall of my parents home. On closer inspection, I witnessed it remove something from its rear end, held between its cercus. The cricket then had a good look at it, placed it back between its cercus, then walked off. I know that some grasshoppers put a casing around their eggs, but not found any evidence of crickets doing the same. It appears to have another of whatever it is still in its rear. Faeces, eggs (aren't their eggs white?)? Not sure. I have read a bit on the parasites that commonly use crickets and other orthoptera, nothing seems to fit. Although there are amazing examples of mind controlling parasites in nature, I don't know why the cricket would inspect it and put it back in. I'm a graphic designer, so not exactly well educated on the subject. Just fascinated and confused.

Any help answering its behaviour would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Gary Farmer
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Joined: 2012/09/18 - 19:17
What is this cricket doing?