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Bug ID help please.

18 years ago

My roomate and I have spotted,..er more like had the begeesus creeped out of us by this grasshopper like bug that's been out on the plants and once in the kitchen. It's rather large, probably the size of a half dollar. The body looks like that of a grashopper, but with huge hind legs (even more so than a grasshoppers) and very long atennae. It's coloration is a greyish purple and murky brown, striped. I don't know how they move as their usually perched somewhere in the prime location to scare you out of your skin. I don't think its a grasshopper, or if it is, it's a pretty exotic type for Kansas. Any one with any idea?

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Comments (3)

larry_gene
18 years ago
The long antennae likely makes your bug a katydid, not all of them are the standard green, plus the excess hurricane activity has been blowing exotics northward this year.

There are crickets that would match your bug's description also.
rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
18 years ago
A camel (or cave) cricket crosses my mind. The legs are probably the most impressive feature, and they have a great 'startle factor', as well. Probably the most likely candidate to be found inside the home come fall.

They come in a wide variety of colors, by the way, but their basic shape is pretty much the same. If this does seem to be your critter, I'd begin inspecting the shower before you get in. NOT fun to have one of these little guys jump on you in there, especially if you happen to wear glasses and can't see that well!!!!!

Here is a link that might be useful:
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bmccann
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks! It is a camel cricket. Apparently somewhat less common for my area, more common to the south from what I've read. (stupid hurricanes). They are just about the most sinister looking things I've ever seen.

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