Gryllidae - Gryllus sp.
Family Gryllidae
Gryllus sp. Size: 14 – 30 mm Group Guild Status Trogloxene Scavenger Uncommon This species seems to only be present in the cave after initiation of the summer rainy season, and has so far been found only in the Jackrabbit Shaft and Gallery, and Tarantula Room areas. They normally live beneath debris such as rocks or downed trees that occur on the surface above the cave. The animals are apparently attracted to the moisture present in the cave. They are uncommonly encountered in the cave, and we consider the species to be an occasional trogloxene. When these animals die in the cave they become nutrients for other invertebrates in the cave food web. Some of the dead crickets observed supported developing scuttle fly larvae (family phoridae; Megaselia sp.). |
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