# House Cricket (*Acheta domesticus*)

House Crickets are chirpy little bugs that live in homes and gardens. They sing at night, making a lovely sound!

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 2/5 · Low
- **Habitat:** Homes and gardens
- **Also known as:** Acheta domesticus

![House Cricket](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771424577/objects/5532.jpg)

## Appearance

The House Cricket is yellowish-brown with three distinctive dark bands across its head. It has long, slender antennae that are often longer than its body, and prominent hind legs adapted for jumping. Its body is flattened with wings folded flat over its back.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Orthoptera
- **Family:** Gryllidae
- **Genus:** Acheta

## Interesting facts

- A cricket's antennae can be much longer than its entire body, helping it explore.
- Crickets have their 'ears' on their front legs, allowing them to hear danger approaching!
- In many parts of the world, House Crickets are considered a delicious snack!
- You can estimate the outdoor temperature by counting a cricket's chirps!

## Special abilities

- **Singing Serenade:** House Crickets can create loud chirping sounds by rubbing their wings together to attract mates and warn others.
- **Mighty Leapers:** House Crickets have powerful hind legs that help them jump incredibly far and fast to escape from predators.
- **Night Vision:** House Crickets have compound eyes that help them see very well in low light, making them active at night.

## Measurements & details

- **Wingspan:** 15-25 mm
- **Size:** 16-21 mm
- **Lifespan:** 60-90 days
- **Leg Count:** 6

## Diet & Feeding

House Crickets are omnivores, munching on almost anything from plants to tiny bugs and leftovers.

- **Primary Foods:** grains, seeds, young plants, fruit scraps, small insects, detritus
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Eaten by:** [Garden spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/garden-spider) (*Araneus diadematus*) — Spiders commonly prey on crickets.
- **Eaten by:** [House mouse](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-mouse) (*Mus musculus*) — Mice hunt crickets found indoors.
- **Eats:** [Wheat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/wheat) (*Triticum aestivum*) — They consume various grains and plants.

## 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.
- [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
- [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
- [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 House 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 House Cricket's wingspan?

15-25 mm

### How big is House Cricket?

16-21 mm

### How long does House Cricket live?

60-90 days

### What does House Cricket eat?

House Crickets are omnivores, munching on almost anything from plants to tiny bugs and leftovers.

### Where is House Cricket usually found?

Homes and gardens

### How does House Cricket hunt?

Foraging

### How many legs does House 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*)

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Source: [House Cricket: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/house-cricket)