You have keyed down to the five Scapteriscus species of mole crickets found in North America. The color pattern of the dorsal side of the thorax is helpful in distinguishing between species. The space between the tibial dactyls is also important, but cannot be seen without a magnifying lens or microscope. The behavior of living adults of the species helps to distinguish them when they are captured alive. The songs of males of the four species that sing (the shortwinged mole cricket does not sing) separate them very clearly and without question, but require electronic equipment for precise analysis. However, the songs can be heard, remembered, and distinguished by anyone with a musical ear.

Adult has very short wings, does not sing, and appears to have a bulging abdomen, shortwinged mole cricket.

Adult sings and has wings that extend past abdomen


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