# Bush Cricket (*Umbulgaria hillimunga*) Bush Crickets are green insects that can be hard to spot in the bushes. They make a soft, gentle sound when they chirp! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Bushes and shrubs - **Also known as:** Tree Cricket ![Bush Cricket](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424451/objects/5534.jpg) ## Appearance The Bush Cricket has a slender body, often green or brown, blending perfectly into foliage. Its most striking features are its extremely long, thread-like antennae, which can be much longer than its body, and large, powerful hind legs for jumping. Some species have leaf-like wings. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Orthoptera - **Family:** Oecanthidae - **Genus:** Umbulgaria ## Interesting facts - Bush Crickets have ears on their front legs, right below the "knees"! - Female bush crickets use a sword-like tube, called an ovipositor, to lay eggs safely. - Many species have antennae so long, they can be twice the length of their entire body! - Some bush crickets sing by rubbing their wings together, creating a unique evening serenade! ## Special abilities - **Leafy Camouflage:** Bush Crickets have green or brown bodies and wings that help them blend seamlessly into leaves and branches to hide from predators. - **Super Jump:** Bush Crickets can make powerful leaps using their strong hind legs, helping them escape danger or move quickly. - **Winged Serenades:** Male Bush Crickets can produce chirping songs by rubbing their wings together, which helps them attract mates. - **Leggy Listening:** Bush Crickets have specialized 'ears' located on their front legs, allowing them to hear sounds in their environment. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 30-70 mm - **Size:** 15-35 mm - **Lifespan:** 60-120 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Bush Crickets are omnivores, munching on plants and sometimes other small insects. - **Primary Foods:** leaves, flowers, fruits, aphids, small caterpillars - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Blackbird (*Turdus merula*) — Blackbirds frequently prey on these insects. - **Eaten by:** Garden Cross Spider (*Araneus diadematus*) — Spiders capture crickets in their webs. - **Eaten by:** [European Hedgehog](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-hedgehog) (*Erinaceus europaeus*) — Hedgehogs eat many ground-dwelling insects. - **Depends on:** [English Oak](https://www.snappit.app/explore/english-oak) (*Quercus robur*) — Crickets feed on its leaves and find shelter. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Singing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [Arboreal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/arboreal): Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects-and-bugs) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Bush Cricket? Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Bush Cricket's wingspan? 30-70 mm ### How big is Bush Cricket? 15-35 mm ### How long does Bush Cricket live? 60-120 days ### What does Bush Cricket eat? Bush Crickets are omnivores, munching on plants and sometimes other small insects. ### Where is Bush Cricket usually found? Bushes and shrubs ### How does Bush Cricket hunt? Foraging ### How many legs does Bush Cricket have? 6 ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Bush Cricket: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/bush-cricket)