PEST

NAME
Mole Cricket
Gryllotalpa species

ORDER
Orthoptera

FAMILY
Gryllotalpidae

Description of the Pest
Adults are brown, up to 45mm long, with thick, serrated forelegs (spade-like) for digging and cutting. Adults and nymphs have chewing mouthparts. The head and thorax are encased in a hard shell, while the abdomen is soft. Adults have wings, but are poor fliers; they are attracted to light.

     

Appearance and Distribution of the Pest
Mole crickets are found in Africa, Eurasia and North America, and are common in the eastern States of Australia. They are subterranean feeders. An introduced species Scapteriscus didactylusThe Changamole cricket has become a major pest in Eastern Australia.

Life Cycle
These insects have a Hemimetabolouslife cycle, ie. When the immature nymphsresemble the adults.
Eggs are deposited in the topsoil; nymphs and young adults live in the top 5cm of the soil. Mature adults live in tunnels up to 1m deep.

Period of Activity
Mole crickets are most active during the warmer months.

Damage Caused
Nymphs and adults feed on the roots of plants by cutting into them and leaving small raised ridges and the roots may be damaged when large numbers tunnel under the plant. Turf grasses can die as a result of heavy infestation. Tunnelling may dislodge seedlings.

Susceptible Plants
Many plants are attacked by mole crickets, especially turf grasses, vegetables and ornamentals. Seedlings may also be destroyed.

Cultural Control
No effective cultural control.

BiologicalControl
No effective control known.

Chemical Control
Spray lawns after rain or when the soil is moist as they move closer to the surface. with Diazinon or Phenthion.
Note
Always read the label for registration details and direction of use prior to application of any chemicals.