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Common Species: Greenhouse Camel Cricket

The greenhouse camel cricket (Diestrammena asynamora) is an insect species that originated in China and first began appearing in North America in the 1900s. Once in North America, these moisture-loving insects appeared to establish themselves only in greenhouses of the southeastern U.S.

However, a recent study has concluded that the greenhouse camel cricket has spread into human habitations and become the dominant indoor cricket species in many homes.

Appearance

Greenhouse Camel Cricket

The greenhouse camel cricket has a spider-like appearance thanks to its long legs. In fact, many people call them “sprickets,” a nickname created by merging “spiders” with “crickets.” Sprickets are covered with alternating bands of tan set off by darker browns.

The characteristics that best describe the greenhouse camel cricket are:

  • Banded exoskeleton with dark brown and tan markings
  • Long antennae that are twice the length of the body
  • Two small horns are located between antennae
  • Adult body length: A little more than a ½ inch
  • Six legs, all of which are quite thin and long
  • Strong jumpers – up to 4 feet!
  • Has wings but cannot fly (many other cricket species can)
  • Does not chirp

Habitat

Outside of the home, look for greenhouse camel crickets beneath stones and logs, in piles of wood or in areas overgrown with ivy and other ground cover.

Inside structures, they seek out dark, humid spaces such as in basements or wall voids near bathrooms. In greenhouses, they hide among plant foliage, and under planters or tables until dark.

Geography

In North America, it’s not clear exactly how far the greenhouse camel cricket has spread. At the very least, reports show these insects have spread as far north as New York’s Long Island and as far west as Texas. Their original foothold was established in the southeastern U.S.

Diet

The greenhouse camel cricket is an opportunistic scavenger and will feed on a variety of organic material. In greenhouses, it is known to damage young plants. When trapped in a basement with little food, it’s believed that these insects become cannibalistic.

Threat

Basement invasions by greenhouse camel crickets pose little in the way of health threats to humans and they are not known to bite humans either. These crickets can reach infestation levels, even in a small basement, and as a result, their very presence can be unsettling to most people.

Reproduction

Little scientific research has been done into the reproduction methods of camel crickets, but most assume that camel cricket females engage in the same strategies as other cricket species.

Control Options

If greenhouse camel crickets are invading your home, TERRO® has several options:

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