Acheta

Acheta is a genus of crickets in the family Gryllidae, subfamily Gryllinae. Members are distributed across Europe, Asia, and Africa and have become naturalized in many regions worldwide through human activity. The best known species is Acheta domesticus, the house cricket, which has been widely bred for use as feeder insects for reptiles and birds and as pet food. The genus includes several described species; all are winged, slender crickets with typically brown or tan coloration.

Morphology and biology

Male Acheta produce chirping sounds by stridulation, using their forewings (tegmina) to rub against a file-like row of ridges. Females possess an ovipositor for laying eggs. Crickets in this genus are generally nocturnal and occupy varied environments, including grassy areas, leaf litter, and buildings. They are omnivorous, feeding on plant material, detritus, and small invertebrates. Colors and size are relatively uniform within the genus, though species differ in scale and habitat preference.

Life cycle and development

Acheta crickets undergo incomplete metamorphosis, with life stages including egg, nymph, and adult. Females lay eggs in moist soil or decaying vegetation. Nymphs resemble small adults and molt several times before reaching maturity. Temperature and humidity strongly influence development time; warmer conditions accelerate growth and can shorten the time from egg to adult to a few weeks.

Human relevance

Acheta species are widely bred as feeder insects for pets and educational purposes and are sometimes kept as laboratory specimens. They can become household pests when they invade structures seeking warmth and moisture. Ecologically, they fill roles as herbivores and detritivores, contributing to nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems.