WTF Wednesday: The Mole Cricket

I’d almost forgotten about this encounter on one of my night wanders late last Summer. This unfortunate looking critter was making his way across the path, still warm after the heat of the day. I had been shining the torch mainly up and into the trees, turning over leaves and generally following the various sounds that gave away the hiding spots of all of the nocturnal animals.

I’ve also learnt to every now and again sweep the torch across the ground, especially around my feet and the path directly in front of where we’re walking. Diamond Pythons and Golden-Crowned Snakes are among some of those we’ve spotted making their way through the darkness, along with various beetles of all descriptions, many, MANY spiders and the occasional frog. But this creature was a most unexpected find! I mean, just look at it. 😳 That is one weird arsed looking insect!

Their burrows are vertical and just take a look at the freaky forelimbs totally made for digging but that also make them kind of look like half animal, half machine!

These insects sing at dusk and dawn and the males call from the entrance of their burrow, which the females can apparently tell, from the sound, if that burrow is damp or not. Damp being good for egg laying.

I have to admit to knowing next to nothing about these insects but I’m happy to report that today I learnt that they have one unsavoury trait (I mean, apart from their ugly faces 🤣). When handled, they apparently release a brown, stinky fluid from their ANAL GLANDS!!!! Why on earth do these guys have anal glands?!?!? I’m just glad I didn’t pick this one up and discover it for myself (and on myself).

Dog owners I know you remember the first time you discovered that dogs have anal glands and I’m willing to bet it was when they were sitting on your lap 🤣🤢

Mole Cricket – Northern Illawarra