Lookin at its thorny pincers, seems like it uses it to dig soil or something.
I never seen anything like that but it looks kinda aggressive. Looks like an alien to me. LOL. Maybe a cross between a Mantis or a Cricket?
ChrisT
Feb 17, 2004 4:33 AM
This looks to be a species of Mole Cricket, though I didn't know they lived that far south (I encountered quite a few living in southeast Texas as a child). As the name implies, the Mole Cricket lives underground, using it's modified forelegs as spades for digging through the soil. It's an herbivore, feeding on the roots of plants, and is completely harmless to humans.
meemee
Feb 17, 2004 12:41 PM
Thank you so much for identifying it. It was driving me crazy! I did a search on it and found out that the ones in Florida etc. originated in South America.
Apparently, when my husband caught it, it was quite aggresive. I don't know if it bites or not though (he wasn't about to find out!). We live in Canada so we're not used to bugs this big. Well, maybe the odd locust or water beetle but that's about it.
Thanks again for the comments.
Meemee
PS Alien also came to mind when I saw it. :o)
