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What the?????

17 years ago

I found this rather large insect in Southern California (Cardiff-by-the-Sea), under about an inch of compost. The coin in the picture is a quarter, which should give some reference about the insect's size. I think it may be some kind of termite, but its huge for a termite. Any help would be appreciated.

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Comments (2)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
17 years ago
Walter, I forgot to mention one teensy little thing about your Jerusalem Cricket. They bite.

I just thought you might want to know that. ;-)
aquawise
17 years ago
Here in Utah we call them sand puppies. They are scary looking things and they can get pretty big and pinch very hard. Better known as a Jerusalem Cricket. Active only at night, the insects use their strong mandibles to feed primarily on dead organic material but can also eat other insects. Their highly adapted feet are used for burrowing beneath moist soil to feed on decaying root plants and tubers.
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