I think I saw a mole Cricket

type2tattoo · #1 (**permalink**) 28-05-2011, 05:38 AM

Looked out on my patio last night and saw a really big bug by my pond light, from the house I thought it was a stag beetle but when I got closer its front end looked like a mole cricket (after googling it) I have read now that they are rare and I am concerned that some grassland across the road from me is being dug up to build hoses, this land had been long grass for 4 years or so. Is it possible it came from there? and if so should I tell someone as they only started digging it up yesterday. Also who should I tell?

The bug moved into the undergrowth and I couldn't see it, it was a bit scary so didnt want to poke around too much.

Any advice much appreciated

Littlesparrow · #2 (**permalink**) 28-05-2011, 06:42 AM

`It might help to know roughly where you are in the country as to whether it is possible this was a mole cricket. I'm not sure the council would do very much without a positive id of something rare, a photo would of course be best.

type2tattoo · #3 (**permalink**) 28-05-2011, 07:34 AM

Hi, sorry I am in south Hampshire Near Winchester

Littlesparrow · #4 (**permalink**) 28-05-2011, 06:29 PM

Apparently mole crickets have been sighted in Hampshire but are very rare indeed and haven't been seen in recent years. If you are convinced you saw one try contacting one of the study groups or the Natural History museum. Keep a camera handy in case you see it again, good luck.