Hawaii Biological Survey's


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19. Hawaiian Cave Tree Cricket

Scientific name: Thaumatogryllus cavicola

Classification: Phylum: Arthropoda. Class: Insecta. Order: Orthoptera


Origin: Native

Status: Very uncommon

Distribution: Big Island

Sound file: --

Map: --


No. The picture is not upside down! This endemic cave cricket spends its life on the ceilings of Hawaiian lava tubes. If it was ever on the floor of the lava tube, it would be quick and easy prey for cave hunting spiders. Cave tree crickets feed on roots that dangle from the cave ceiling..

   Photo © W.P. Mull