Conehead cricket.

[Batgirl]

We found a little cricket on our driveway, and thanks to this brilliant site, we discovered that she was a short-winged conehead. We always discovered that they are more commonly found in Coastal grasslands. Was just wondering if anyone could explain how she ended up in a street in a London suburb?

[GuyF]

I think that both the British Coneheads are fairly recent colonists from Europe. Since they first arrived they have been spreading North through Britain. They must be pretty powerful travellers to be able to cross the channel, so I think that they can turn up just about anywhere in Southern Britain.
Guy

[Batgirl]

Thanks Guy. First time iv'e seen one. She was a pretty little thing!

[aeshna5]

Long-winged coneheads are now pretty widespread throughout London area + probably present in most suitable habitats, often alongside another very dynamic species- Roesel's Bush-cricket.

Short-winged Conehead seems much more localised around London + usually in damp situations, so I would guess your specimen was former species.

In recent years there have been a few records of Large Conehead- another potential colonist!

[Gill Catton]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

Long-winged coneheads are now pretty widespread throughout London area + probably present in most suitable habitats, often alongside another very dynamic species- Roesel's Bush-cricket.

Short-winged Conehead seems much more localised around London + usually in damp situations, so I would guess your specimen was former species.

In recent years there have been a few records of Large Conehead- another potential colonist!

yes although I rarely see short-winged cone-heads, I see lots and lots of long-winged and roesels - almost every site I visit sems to have them! mostly southern sites though.

Wasp spiders seem to be following in similar directions too.

Excited for the day that I stumble across a large conehead

[Batgirl]

Was definitely a short-winged. I will keep my eyes well peeled now!

[asheleaf]

Originally Posted by Batgirl

Was definitely a short-winged. I will keep my eyes well peeled now!

Are you aware that long-winged coneheads can have short wings too?

Ashe

[mulattokid]

Yes...Long winged coneheads;Conocephalus discolor, have short winged forms, long winged forms and macroperous extra long winged forms (truely comlicated) They were first recorded on the south coast in about 1971. Since then they have spread even to some south midland localities.

In 2003 several Large Coneheads: Ruspolia nitidula, were found on the isles of scilly. Last year some several individuals were found on cliffs in Dorset...surprising if they have been there for a long time as unlike the other two ssp we have, the large conehead is truly a loud stridulator...probably only second to our great green or field cricket in volume, but they only sing at night! Imagine a Roesel Bushcricket about 4 times the volume!