Spotted Camel Cricket (Ceuthophilus maculatus)
Detailing the physical features, habits, territorial reach and other identifying qualities of the Spotted Camel Cricket.
Updated: 7/17/2014; Authored By Staff Writer; Content ©www.InsectIdentification.org
Spotted Camel Cricket
The speckled hump on the back of the large and jumpy Spotted Camel Cricket makes it easy recognize.
The high arching 'back' of this cricket helped name it. This species is found in forests, under rocks and even in basements. The Spotted Camel Cricket probably blends in well with its natural surroundings thanks to the mottled coloration on its body and legs. Camel Crickets, in general, have the traditionally large hind legs associated with all crickets. They are used for leaping long and high distances.
The Spotted Camel Cricket is also common in southeastern Canada as well as the northeastern United States all the way down to Texas.
They feed at night on plants and even eat other insects. They are most active from spring through summer, but occasionally, these insects find their way inside warm homes or buildings during the fall and winter. They will typically reside in the dark parts of a home, like a basement or cellar. Like other crickets, they are not dangerous to people; just large, fast and springy which usually startles an unaware passerby.
