Mormon cricket

The Mormon cricket (Anabrus simplex) is a member of the order Orthoptera and the family Tettigoniidae. Although commonly referred to as a cricket, it is actually a shield-backed katydid. This flightless insect is notorious for its migratory behavior and its ability to cause massive damage to rangelands and agricultural crops in North America.

This pest is highly polyphagous and feeds on a wide range of crops. It demonstrates a strong preference for small grains such as wheat and barley, as well as alfalfa, vegetable crops, and various ornamental plants. When population densities reach outbreak levels, these insects can completely defoliate fields, leading to significant economic losses for farmers.

The life cycle of Anabrus simplex is uniquely adapted to arid environments. Females lay eggs in the soil, which often undergo an obligatory diapause lasting from one to several years before hatching. Once they hatch, the nymphs progress through seven developmental stages (instars) over the spring and early summer before reaching the adult stage to breed.

Damage is caused by the insects' powerful chewing mouthparts. They consume plant tissues, including leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits. During massive outbreaks, the insects move in large bands, covering large distances and consuming almost all vegetation in their path. This behavior often leaves fields stripped bare and ruins fodder for livestock.

Control strategies for the Mormon cricket require vigilance and integrated pest management (IPM). Key tactics include:

• early season monitoring of nymphal populations;
• application of insecticide baits or sprays before adults develop wings;
• tillage of egg-laying sites to destroy soil-embedded eggs;
• utilization of mechanical barriers or trenches to block the migration of cricket bands.