Pine Cricket

Pine Cricket key facts

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

One year (single-brooded, overwintering as eggs)

Size

19-33mm

Diet

Leaves of herbaceous plants, dead plant matter and insect carrion

Temperature & Humidity

It lives in dry, sunny grassland, so the damp substrate used for the bell cricket is not a suitable substitute.

Breeding & Egg-laying

The female lays into the stems of grasses rather than into soil. That makes the laying set fundamentally different from the bell cricket, which will lay in a simple layer of akadama soil, and breeding it in captivity is correspondingly harder. Whether living grass stems can be provided is the deciding factor.

Cohabitation

The adhesive pads let it climb vertical surfaces, so it will escape from an uncovered container. The song is loud, so think about where the container stands if several are kept together for listening.

Lifespan & Rearing Period

It is single-brooded and adults are on the wing from mid-August to late November. It emerges later than the bell cricket and sings on well into autumn.

Health & Notes

Because it lives in open grassland it suffers from development and trampling, and on riverbanks a population wiped out by flooding takes years to recover. It is heard less and less in cities. It is easily confused with the introduced Truljalia hibinonis, so check what the identification rests on when buying.

About Pine Cricket

A larger, pale-brown singing cricket related to the bell cricket, known for its sharp autumn song and glass-climbing adhesive footpads. Recommended for experienced keepers.

7 things to know before welcoming a Pine Cricket

1. 1Best Suited to Experienced Keepers

   Pine crickets require careful attention to temperature, humidity, and diet, making them better suited to keepers who already have some insect-keeping experience. If this is your first singing cricket, consider starting with an easier species like the bell cricket before taking one on.

2. 2One-Year Lifespan, Overwinters as Eggs

   Pine crickets complete a single generation per year, spending only one season as adults. They overwinter as eggs laid in autumn and hatch the following spring, so the adult stage itself is relatively brief.

3. 3Prefers Dry, Grassy Habitat

   In the wild, pine crickets live in dry grasslands where pampas grass grows thick. Keep their enclosure well-ventilated and on the dry side rather than overly humid.

4. 4Known for Its Sharp, Clear Song

   Their biggest appeal is a loud, clear call often described as "chin-chiro-rin." Since males sing to attract females, telling the sexes apart matters if you want to enjoy the song.

5. 5Can Climb Vertical Surfaces

   Adhesive pads on their tarsi let pine crickets climb smooth vertical surfaces like glass. Choose an enclosure with a secure, tight-fitting lid to prevent escapes.

6. 6Slightly Larger Than the Bell Cricket

   Adults measure roughly 19 to 33mm, giving them a sturdier build than the similar-looking bell cricket. Size your hideouts and layout accordingly.

7. 7What to Prepare Before Bringing One Home

   Along with an enclosure, substrate, hiding spots, and a food dish, choose a well-ventilated case that stays on the dry side. Since their sticky tarsi make escaping easy, double-check that the lid closes securely.

Frequently asked questions about Pine Cricket

Q.Can beginners keep pine crickets?

A.Pine crickets are generally considered an advanced-level species, requiring careful attention to temperature, humidity, and diet. If you're new to keeping singing insects, it's a good idea to gain experience with an easier species first.

Q.How long do pine crickets live?

A.Adults are active for only about one season, with just a single generation produced each year. They overwinter as eggs laid in autumn and hatch again the following spring.

Q.Can pine crickets escape from their enclosure?

A.Yes, adhesive pads on their tarsi let them climb smooth vertical surfaces like glass, so a loose-fitting lid can allow escapes. Choose an enclosure with a lid that closes securely and check for gaps.

Q.Are pine crickets subject to CITES?

A.Pine crickets are not subject to CITES.

Q.What does a pine cricket's call sound like?

A.It produces a sharp, clear call often described as "chin-chiro-rin." Males sing to attract females, and this song has long made the species one of Japan's classic autumn singing insects.

Useful tools for Pine Cricket care

Learn more about Pine Cricket in the encyclopedia

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