【Rare Origin】Myanmar-produced Mole Cricket Specimen - Grasshopper, Katydid, Mole Cricket

Scientific Name: Schizodactylus sp.?

Mainly inhabits sandy areas along rivers, with large, flattened feet and wings that curl at the tips just above the tailbone. They are nocturnal, with significant changes in activity between day and night. During the day, they hide in burrows they have dug themselves.

The preferred habitat of S. monstrosus is along the sandy banks of rivers in Pakistan's Indus and Damodar rivers, India, Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), and Myanmar. S. monstrosus has been observed using its powerful mandibles to aid in digging and using the spurs on its tibiae to displace sand during excavation. They are known to burrow in very humid soil, digging deeper until the desired moisture content is found. One study found burrow humidity to be most commonly between 88.5% and 98.5%. Burrows are typically occupied by a single male or female. While burrows are most often sealed with sand after completion by both adults and nymphs, a few instances of open burrows have been observed, though the reasons remain unclear. As insects grow and reach new instars, they excavate wider, deeper, and longer burrows ranging from 14 inches to 1 + 14 inches in diameter. Adults often burrow up to two feet below the surface, while nymphs remain in the top layer of sand.

In the wild, S. monstrosus is believed to feed primarily on ground beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets. S. monstrosus has also been observed to attack prey that comes near or into its burrow, making for an easy meal. [In captivity, S. monstrosus ate raw meat and fish but showed more interest in live beetles.

These crickets are a favorite food for many tribes in Arunachal Pradesh.

We will ship the pictured individual collected near Myo Kwin, Ayeyarwady Region, Myanmar.
It seems difficult to collect due to frequent flooding. The commonly available ones are from Pakistan. Compared to the Pakistani species, this one has a smaller head and is less rugged, giving a more refined impression.
Leg span is approximately 7.8 cm.
Collected in June 2009.
We apologize, but we cannot guarantee against downgrading due to shipping. Please understand.