Mormon Cricket

Shield-backed Katydid

Mormon Crickets are a large insect (up to 3 in long) found in the grasslands and sagebrush deserts of western North America from southeastern BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba through to California, Utah, and New Mexico. They have a large shield behind the head, long antennae, and vary in color from green to brown to black. Their name is deceptive as they are actually Shield-backed Katydids and closely related to Grasshoppers.

Females have a long, curved ovipositor that looks like a tail or stinger but is actually used to push into the dirt and deposit eggs below the surface. The eggs usually hatch in the spring when plants are starting to grow. However, the eggs can take up to 5 years to hatch.

When food is in short supply due to a population explosion, Mormon Crickets form large dense swarms and head out in search of protein and salt. They are unable to fly but can walk or jump up to 1.5 miles a day. The swarms can destroy food crops and are a traffic hazard as the roads become slippery with crushed insects.

Did you know? Most Mormon Crickets live in shrubs or bushes rather than on the ground.

See Also: Cicada, Cricket, Grasshopper, Katydid

Deserts are dry areas covered with sand or rocks and with very few plants. There is limited rainfall and it's usually very hot.

Grasslands are large open areas covered with grasses. They have very few trees or shrubs. This habitat includes prairies and tundra.