Rhaphidophoridae

Rhaphidophoridae is a family of insects in the order Orthoptera, commonly known as cave crickets or camel crickets. They are typically wingless or possess only very reduced wings, giving a humpbacked appearance, with extremely long hind legs and antennae. They are usually pale brown or gray, soft-bodied, and adapted to dark, moist habitats such as caves, under logs, leaf litter, or basements.

Most species are nocturnal and ground-dwelling, moving by running or leaping to evade predators. They do not chirp like true crickets and rely on avoidance and camouflage in their dim environments. Their morphology—long legs, slender bodies, and long antennae—facilitates navigating through crevices and loose substrates.

Ecology and diet focus on detritus and opportunistic feeding. They consume decaying plant material, fungi, and small invertebrates, contributing to decomposition and nutrient cycling in cave and forest ecosystems. Reproduction involves females laying eggs in moist soil or crevices; nymphs molt through several instars and resemble smaller adults, a form of hemimetabolous development.

Rhaphidophoridae are distributed worldwide, with many species in temperate regions. They are especially diverse in caves and forested habitats, though some species inhabit human structures such as basements and garages. In cave ecosystems, they can be indicators of environmental health and habitat stability. Taxonomically, the family contains numerous genera and species within Orthoptera, distinct from true crickets (Gryllidae) by their winglessness and cave-associated habits.