''Gryllodes sigillatus'', the tropical house cricket, Indian house cricket or banded cricket, is a small cricket probably native to southwestern Asia, but has spread throughout tropical regions worldwide. Like its relative the
house cricket
''Acheta domesticus'', commonly called the house cricket, is a cricket most likely native to Southwestern Asia, but between 1950 and 2000 it became the standard feeder insect for the pet and research industries and spread worldwide. They can be ...
, the tropical house cricket is also raised commercially for feeding certain pets such as
reptiles,
birds,
amphibians, and insectivorous
arthropods.
Description
The tropical house cricket is slightly smaller than its relative the house cricket, growing about . These crickets are light yellowish tan and have two thick black bands. One of the bands runs through the bottom of the thorax while the other goes across the upper abdomen. Females are similar to males, only wingless and a long
ovipositor emerging from its rear.
Relationship with humans
As pet food
Decorated house crickets are relatively new to the pet trade and are favored by many people due to easier care requirements than the more-common
house cricket
''Acheta domesticus'', commonly called the house cricket, is a cricket most likely native to Southwestern Asia, but between 1950 and 2000 it became the standard feeder insect for the pet and research industries and spread worldwide. They can be ...
or the
black field cricket. The banded crickets are said to be a lot more active than competitors, and live longer lifespans than the average house cricket. They also have a lower
chitin content than average crickets, making digestibility easier.
Tropical house crickets are also immune to the
CrPV virus. Care is similar to that of the house cricket.
As pests
Tropical house crickets generally cause no harm, though the singing males can be a nuisance. They can be managed with baits sold for cockroach or earwig control.
References
{{Taxonbar, from=Q10509344
Gryllinae
Insects described in 1869
Pet foods
Orthoptera of Asia