True Crickets

Gryllidae, commonly known as true crickets, is a family within the order Orthoptera, distinguished by their cylindrical bodies, long antennae, and chirping sounds produced by males as part of their mating calls through a process known as stridulation. These insects are predominantly nocturnal and are found in varied habitats worldwide, including forests, fields, caves, and inside buildings. True crickets are omnivorous, feeding on organic materials, plant decay, fungi, and occasionally small invertebrates. Ecologically, they play significant roles in nutrient recycling and soil aeration, and they serve as important prey for a variety of other animals, such as birds, small mammals, and spiders. Gryllidae is also culturally significant in many regions, appreciated for their musical sounds and sometimes kept as pets or used in cricket fighting, a traditional sport in some cultures.