Mormon Cricket

Anabrus simplex Haldeman

Anabrus simplex , the Mormon cricket, is locally common in the Black Hills and the Big Horn Mountains. It is more common in the northwest than this map indicates. Other areas in the Laramie Mountains and southwestern Sweetwater County have had outbreaks of Mormon crickets. Egg hatch can begin in early March at lower elevations. Adults can be found from late May to September depending on the elevation. Its preferred food plants are forbs but during outbreaks marching bands of Mormon crickets can damage crops. Damage to rangelands is minimal except where populations are extremely large.
Ref: Pfadt 1991.