Another macro shot of another insect grazer (or detritivore). There are so many crickets hiding under decomposing cattail (Typha domingensis) and other wetland plants, that you can literally hear them scurry as you pass a clump of detritus. When I first heard the noise, I thought it was the constant, strong wind from the east. After hearing the noise without wind, I thought it may be a snake or other herp (that’s actually how I found the turtle here; I heard it walking) and was immediately excited to discover a new species… I did alright, hundreds of crickets of various species. Unfortunately, I don’t have The Orthoptera of Costa Rica: A Jumping Insect between Two Continents, between Two Seas.
So, what are they eating? Dr. Lorch?!
Crickets in a Typha mat are eating rotting Typha along with all the insects dying and falling into the thicket. I bet there are a fair number of spiders above them and they drop lots of bits and pieces.
Are crickets a terrestrial (or semi-aquatic in this case) shredder?
Diapers may be more difficult to strap onto crickets though, given their strong hind legs.