Bug Identifier

Other Insects

Camel Cricket

Diestrammena asynamora

048121620
Body length in millimeters. Shaded bar shows the typical adult range.
Scientific nameDiestrammena asynamora
GroupOther Insects
Size13–19 mm (up to about 0.75 in)
Colors Brown and Tan
Legs6 legs
WingsNo (as usually seen)
Where foundBasement or garage
Most activeSummer and Fall
BitesNo
StingsNo
Risk levelHarmless

How to identify it

The camel cricket is a medium-sized member of the other insects group. Crickets, fleas, lice, mantises, dragonflies and other groups. Check for these three features:

  1. Arched, humpbacked brown body
  2. Extremely long hind legs and antennae
  3. No wings and no chirping

About this bug

A humpbacked, wingless cricket with very long legs and antennae that lives in basements, crawl spaces and garages. It jumps toward threats, which startles many people.

You'll usually find camel crickets in basements and garages. They are most active in summer and fall.

Is it dangerous?

Camel crickets don't bite or spread disease; they point to damp conditions.

Our rating: Harmless, meaning it poses no real threat to people, pets or property.

When you'll see camel crickets

Camel Crickets are most active in summer and fall. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly. In fall, many bugs look for shelter, and some move toward or into buildings.

Typical places to check: basement or garage.

About other insects

The camel cricket is one of the other insects. This group covers insects from several orders, including crickets, grasshoppers, fleas, lice, mantises, dragonflies, lacewings and planthoppers. Their life cycles vary widely: fleas and lacewings go through complete metamorphosis, while crickets, grasshoppers, mantises and lice grow gradually through nymph stages.

Check the specific profile for timing, because each of these insects has its own season and habits.

What to do about it

  1. Dehumidify basements and crawl spaces
  2. Seal door sweeps and foundation vents
  3. Place sticky traps along walls and in corners

Bugs that look similar

House CricketAcheta domesticus16–21 mmHarmless

Size: House Crickets are larger, reaching 21 mm, while camel crickets top out around 19 mm.

Wolf SpiderLycosidae family10–35 mmCan bite or sting

Group: Camel Cricket belongs to other insects, while wolf spider belongs to spiders. Crickets, fleas, lice, mantises, dragonflies and other groups.

Frequently asked questions

What does a camel cricket look like?

Arched, humpbacked brown body. Adults measure 13–19 mm (up to about 0.75 in).

Does the camel cricket bite or sting?

It does not bite. It does not sting. Camel crickets don't bite or spread disease; they point to damp conditions.

Where do camel crickets live?

Camel Crickets live in basements and garages.

When are camel crickets most active?

Mostly in summer and fall.