||Light to dark brown, often mottled with dark bands on some segments
||Humpbacked with long, very enlarged hind legs
||½”- 1 ½” (13-33 mm)
Camel crickets get their common name from their humpbacked
appearance, which is similar to that of a camel. They are
widespread in the United States and in the world. Camel crickets do
not possess sound producing organs, and therefore do not chirp.
Additionally, the adults do not have wings, unlike other cricket
species. Camel crickets leap when they are frightened since it's
the only defense mechanism they have to scare off predators.
Camel crickets are nocturnal, or active at night, and hide
during the day. They often overwinter as young nymphs or adults.
Females lay their eggs in early spring and they hatch during
Camel crickets are found outdoors around buildings, typically in
cool, moist environments such as under mulch, stones, railroad
ties, woodpiles and debris. Around homes, they can also be found in
wells and drainage pipes, or under sheds and air conditioner
Indoors, camel crickets are often found in damp basements,
utility rooms, crawl spaces, garages and occasionally in attics.
They often invade structures when it becomes hot and dry
Camel crickets do not pose any health threats to humans, but
they can become a nuisance if they gain entry to the home. Some
species have been known to damage clothing and other fabrics like