Identifying an Intriguing Insect: A Park Bike Ride Discovery

AI Thread Summary
A user observed a small insect while biking in the park and sought help for identification. The consensus is that the insect is a mole cricket, which is characterized by its cricket-like appearance. Mole crickets are often found in hot, dry environments and are generally not favored by gardeners due to their pest status. The discussion included links to additional resources for further information on mole crickets, confirming their identification and discussing their impact on gardening.
ElinaY
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I've been riding my bike in the park and I've noticed this guy passing by. It was of a hand palm size. Intriguing. Can you help me identify the insect?
image.jpg
 
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Kind of hard to make out in that pic but it looks like a cricket.
 
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phinds said:
Kind of hard to make out in that pic but it looks like a cricket.

If you click on the pic you get a nice full rez version.
 
Pythagorean said:
If you click on the pic you get a nice full rez version.
I clicked on it and it gets a little bigger but still hard to make out.
 
Definitely a mole cricket, common in hot and dusty environments, here's a closer view of the mole looking creature.

http://www.bodyscientist.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Mole_cricket.jpg
 
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