Trigonidiinae

Trigonidiinae is a subfamily of crickets within the family Gryllidae. This group is widely distributed across the globe, with a particular abundance in tropical and subtropical regions. Members of Trigonidiinae are commonly known as sword-tailed crickets or, more broadly, as short-horned crickets. They are characterized by their relatively small to medium size and often possess a more flattened body shape compared to some other cricket subfamilies. A distinguishing feature, particularly prominent in females, is the sword-shaped ovipositor, which gives them one of their common names. Males typically produce sound through stridulation, rubbing their wings together, to attract females. Their diets are generally omnivorous, consisting of plant matter, fungi, and other insects. These crickets often inhabit a variety of environments, including leaf litter, vegetation, and sometimes human dwellings. Several species within Trigonidiinae are well-known, such as those in the genus Trigonidium, from which the subfamily derives its name, and the genus Velarifictorus. The subfamily plays a role in their respective ecosystems as both prey for other animals and as decomposers.