How to Breed Mole Crickets

The mole cricket received its name because it has shovel-like forelimbs and subterranean habits. An unusual member of the cricket family, mole crickets can burrow, swim and fly, with flights of up to 5 miles recorded. Perhaps their most remarkable trait is the megaphone-shaped holes they dig to amplify their calls when trying to attract mates. Because of their unusual behaviors and physical features, sometimes they are bred for the purpose of observation. More commonly, however, they are bred to be used for fishing bait, as exotic pet food and as part of Asian cuisine.

Things You'll Need

  • Drill
  • 2 large, hard plastic storage containers
  • Cardboard or plastic egg cartons
  • Dog food
  • Vegetables
  • Shallow jar lid
  • Pea gravel
  • Hard plastic sandwich container
  • Vermiculite
  • Water spray bottle
  • Heat pad
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Instructions

    • 1

      Drill about 20 holes in each of two large, hard plastic storage containers. The holes will provide air circulation.

    • 2

      Place cardboard or plastic egg cartons, dog food and vegetables in one of the large containers. Ensure the vegetables are pesticide-free by rinsing them thoroughly.

    • 3

      Fill one shallow jar lid with water, and place it in the container with the food. Add pea gravel to the jar lid to prevent small crickets from drowning.

    • 4

      Drill small holes in one hard plastic sandwich container. Fill that container with water-moistened vermiculite. Place the sandwich container in the large container with the food. It provides a place for the female crickets to lay eggs; it is the laying chamber.

    • 5

      Add equal numbers of male and female mole crickets to the container with the shelter, food and laying chamber. Ensure the laying chamber remains moist by spraying the vermiculite with water every few days.

    • 6

      Remove the laying chamber after four to seven days. Place the laying chamber in the second large container on top of a heat pad set to 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Add food, water and egg cartons to that container.

    • 7

      Monitor the laying chamber for hatchlings. Young crickets become sexually active when they are 1/4-inch long. If you want to breed more crickets, move the laying chamber to a new large container.