What is the formal scientific classification of the insect commonly mislabeled as the potato bug?
Answer
Jerusalem cricket, genus Stenopelmatus
The insect is formally recognized as the Jerusalem cricket, belonging to the genus Stenopelmatus, and is distinctly not a true bug (Hemiptera) nor a member of the cricket family (Gryllidae).
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Potato Bug Facts: the JERUSALEM Cricket Animal Fact Files
Related Questions
What is the formal scientific classification of the insect commonly mislabeled as the potato bug?What is the primary reason the Jerusalem cricket is commonly called the "potato bug"?What is the Spanish regional name given to the Jerusalem cricket, referencing its facial features?What is the maximum lifespan noted for Jerusalem crickets spent living underground?What is true regarding the flight capabilities and physical order of the Jerusalem cricket?In which general geographic region are Jerusalem crickets most strongly associated?If handled aggressively, how might a Jerusalem cricket defend itself against perceived threats?What characteristic leads to the Jerusalem cricket being identified as an orthopteran rather than a true bug?What often causes mature or sub-adult Jerusalem crickets to venture above ground and potentially enter human structures?Which other root vegetables besides potatoes are explicitly mentioned as potential food sources for this pest?Why is reactionary pest control that only targets visible insects often ineffective against the Jerusalem cricket population?