Ammopelmatus navajo, commonly known as the Navajo Jerusalem cricket, is a species of nocturnal Jerusalem cricket in the family Stenopelmatidae.[2] It is endemic to the United States, specifically Arizona, and found under rocks in loose soil.[1] It is closely related to A. fuscus and they have nearly identical drumming patterns. They live one to two years as adults, but can die prematurely by parasitic infections, commonly by the horsehair worm.[3]

Ammopelmatus navajo
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Orthoptera
Suborder: Ensifera
Family: Stenopelmatidae
Genus: Ammopelmatus
Species:
A. navajo
Binomial name
Ammopelmatus navajo
(Rentz, 1978)
Synonyms
  • Stenopelmatus navajo Rentz, 1978

Description

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It is very large, compared to others of the same genus, with a pale, sand coloration that provides camouflage in sand dunes. Like all Jerusalem crickets, they are wingless. They use their strong, spiny legs to burrow rapidly when disturbed. This species has a wide head and powerful jaws that deliver painful, but non-venomous bites.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b Orthopteroid Specialist Group (1996). "Stenopelmatus navajo". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 1996: e.T20763A9230123. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.1996.RLTS.T20763A9230123.en. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  2. ^ "Stenopelmatus navajo (overview Navajo Jerusalem cricket)". Encyclopedia of Life. Retrieved 22 December 2013.
  3. ^ a b Rentz, D.C.F. "New species and records of Western Orthoptera" (PDF). ARIZONA GAME AND FISH DEPARTMENT. Retrieved 22 December 2013.