Latin name: Cylindrachetidae
Mole cricket is a relatively minor pest of potato crops in Indonesia but not in Western Australia.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia has worked with the Indonesian potato industry to increase the productivity of Indonesian crops planted with WA seed potatoes.
Improved productivity requires accurate identification of pests in potatoes and the cabbage rotation crop.
Besides helping Indonesian farmers, this information will assist WA seed potato exporters understand the challenges their Indonesian customers face.
The mole cricket’s Indonesian name is 'anjing tanah' and it belongs to the insect family Gryllotalpidae.
Mole crickets are soil-dwelling insects which become pests of potatoes when they feed on tubers. They may also feed on the base of potato stems and kill them.
Adults can be up to 5cm long and they have a soft body but hard head which helps when digging through soil. Their front legs are specially adapted for digging. Their hind legs are similar to those of other crickets, but are more adapted for digging than jumping.
Mole crickets are strong fliers but are rarely seen because they live in soil and are active at night. Adults produce a chirping sound which attracts other mole crickets.
SOLUTIONS:
- Contact: Apparent Surround or Proforce Scarlet Trio
Reference: Mole cricket: potato pest in Indonesia | Agriculture and Food
