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Jerusalem Cricket

Jerusalem Cricket line art illustration (click image to enlarge)

Jerusalem Cricket full color illustration (click image to enlarge)

Artist's notes:

The Jerusalem Cricket was completed on 6.19.2010. I don't recall ever seeing these as a kid in Minnesota, but in California I've encountered them a few times. Usually when I've been in a garden, or flipping over logs and rocks looking for animals. This is one of my favorite insect drawings. The highlights on the abdomen really help give the image that 3D feeling I'm always trying to convey. The drawing is based on a photo by Rhonda's Thing.

Information about the Jerusalem Cricket :

Jerusalem Crickets - also called 'Potato Bugs - are large, flightless insects of the of the genus Stenopelmatus. Ironically, they are not native to Jerusalem and they do not feed on potatoes. It's thought their odd name comes from a combination of Navajo and Christian terminology. Despite their appearance they are not venomous or dangerous, but when handled or threatened they can bite and/or emit a foul odor. Unlike some other crickets they do not chirp, but a few of the genus can produce a rasping sound by rubbing their legs against the sides of their abdomen.