Family: Gryllotalpidae
Distribution
Found throughout Australia, but are more commonly seen in well-watered, vegetated areas.
Identification
About 30–40 mm in length. They have cylindrical bodies, and fossorial or shovel-like forelegs used for burrowing. The forewings are small and oval in shape, usually measures less than the length of the abdomen.
Behaviour
Mole crickets are nocturnal. The males perform a loud song during dusk and nighttime; they use their burrows to amplify their songs.
Mole Crickets as pests
Mole crickets are omnivores, but some species are known to be pests of turf grass because they eat the roots of grass.