Potato bug is an umbrella term that encompasses a group of wingless, nocturnal insects. It is also known by the common names - Jerusalem cricket and devil's child. There are more than 35 species of potato bugs, all of which are large sized insects, visible to the naked eyes. During mating, it produces a drumming like song by beating its abdomen in the ground. This is one of the interesting potato bug facts, considering that it lacks sound producing structures and sound hearing parts. Interesting Potato Bug FactsPotato bug is brown in color with black stripes on the back and whitish colored belly. At maturity, it grows to about 3 inch long. The thick legs of potato bug help in burrowing the soil for hunting food and hiding purpose. Despite the name, it is not a pest of potato plant or tubers. Neither it is indigenous to Jerusalem, nor it is a bug or cricket. So, what is a potato bug? Read the following facts about potato bugs, which will help you get your answer: Potato Bug ClassificationAs per entomological taxonomy, potato bug belongs to the family Stenopelmatidae of the orderOrthoptera (having incomplete metamorphosis). All the types of potato bugs are grouped under the genus name Stenopelmatus, whereas species name varies with respect to the particular type. You can identify them from the extraordinary large heads with distinctive black eyes. Potato Bug Life CycleSimilar to true crickets, the metamorphosis of potato bug is not complete. Egg is the first stage in the life cycle of a potato bug. In the fall season, several oval shaped eggs are laid in the soil by the female adult. An egg hatches into a nymph only at the arrival of favorable environmental conditions, preferably in spring. The nymph stage continues for more than 2 years, after which potato bug emerges as an adult. Potato Bug DietAs mentioned already, potato bug is nocturnal in habit and remains active only at night time. Primary diet of this insect is dead organic matter, including decaying vegetative matter and plant parts. The extra long mandibles serve as an adaptation for devouring on organic matter. However, at times of food scarcity, potato bug feeds on other insects.Potato Bug BiteNative to Mexico and western United states, potato bug bite is most prevalent in those areas. 'Is potato bug poisonous' is a common query that bothers many people. In spite of the scary appearance with prominent mandibles, potato bug is not poisonous or venomous. Nevertheless, potato bug bite elicits a painful condition, similar to other insect bites.Potato Bug InfestationPotato bug infestation is common in flower and vegetable gardens, where there is plenty of decaying plant roots and organic material. You can find them in moist soil or under thick vegetation. Very often, they hide in burrows and holes. To be more precise, infestation of potato bug occurs in areas, where there is a food source. Hence, it is rarely visible in and around the house. Potato Bug ControlControlling potato bug is not necessary, as it does little harm to the home. If at all, it causes devastating damage to the garden, you can practice common pest control methods to get rid of potato bugs. If you notice them in house, make sure to keep the rooms and surrounding environment dry. Do not confuse harmless potato bugs with pillbugs (Armadillidium species) or Colorado potato beetles (Leptinotarsaspecies).
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