I have recently exterminated one of these in my apartment, but forgot to take a picture before it got flushed. I found one in the parking lot outside, sorry for the poor picture and smooshed subject, but does anyone know what this is?!? It looks like a termite on steroids, but is far larger than any termites I have previously encountered. Thanks for your help.
It's pretty smashed, but my guess would be that it is a cricket of some kind. Perhaps a mole cricket or a small mormon cricket? Anyone from california know more about the cricket fauna in your area?
Hmmm...interesting. I was thinking termite king perhaps, some pictures seem to resemble the specimen. The one I found definately didnt jump when I went about cornering it, it just scurried around. Also, it's difficult to see from this picture, but there are two fairly large reddish "pinchers". It really looks like a termite king, I just don't think termites get this big. Ah well, not too worried, just curious, really - it's just a rental apartment ;)
Here is a pic of a termite for comparison, there belly striations also seem similar to me.
I don't think queen termites are nearly as big as your insect, and their legs are short. Nightbloom's right, look along the lines of a cricket, or maybe a grasshopper
You know what, I bet it's a Jerusalem cricket. They're real common in So.Cal., maybe they've made it up there now
Thanks!! That is exactly what it is, Jerusalem cricket. Well, that should be a relief for my landlord at least. I have never seen such a big cricket, thanks again for the solved mystery. What a great site.
Wow, apparantly theses buggers have a mean bite to them!
Your statement about the pincers is what made me think of them, and their abdomens are boldly striped, too. There's a scientist who collects and studies them, preferably alive, if I see the site again, I'll post a link
