Gryllus bimaculatus (De Geer, 1773)

Southern Field Cricket

Taxonomy: 

  • OrthopteraEnsiferaGrylloideaGryllidaeGryllinaeGryllus bimaculatus

Status: 

IN

Distribution

Recordings

  • Calling song.

Colours show the year of the last record -

  up to 1987   1988-97   1998 up to present

Only Recording Scheme datasets are included. Other datasets on the Gateway may hold additional information.

Open the NBN Atlas interactive map in a new window.

Description: 

Shiny, black-headed cricket.

Size: 

17 - 23 mm

Wings: 

Both sexes have forewings extending beyond the tip of the abdomen. Female’s wings are almost black. Both these characteristics distinguish the species from the Field Cricket.

Stridulation: 

Series of loud, ringing chirps that come at a rate of several a second and can be heard from quite a long distance.

Food: 

Omnivorous.

Habitat: 

This species is not native to Britain and is bred in captivity as live food for reptiles. Temporary colonies sometimes build up from escapes or introductions, and are not associated with particular habitats.

Phenology: 

Can occur all year round.