House cricket vs Tropical house cricket
These two are easy to mix up. Here's how to tell a house cricket from a tropical house cricket, and whether either one bites or stings.
House cricket
Acheta domesticus
Tropical house cricket
Gryllodes sigillatus
≠The key differences
Acheta domesticus is generally larger, more uniformly darker brown and has a different call; Gryllodes is slimmer and often more mottled/golden.
⚖︎Side by side
| House cricket | Tropical house cricket | |
|---|---|---|
| To humans | Non-toxic | Non-toxic |
| Size | 16-21 mm body length | 10-18 mm body length (small compared with common house crickets) |
| Colours | Tan, Light brown, Dark brown | Tan, Light brown, Golden yellow, Dark brown |
| Family | Gryllidae | Gryllidae |
| Habitat | Warm, sheltered places in and around buildings, basements, garages, compost heaps, greenhouses and garden debris. | Warm, sheltered spots near buildings, barns, basements, poultry houses, leaf litter and compost; also bred in captivity. |
| Range | Originally Eurasian; now cosmopolitan where humans provide warm refuges — widespread in North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and other regions. | Native to tropical regions; now widespread in tropical and subtropical areas worldwide and established indoors in many temperate regions via the pet trade and human structures. |
| Active | Mostly active at night; peak activity in warm months and in heated buildings year-round in temperate zones. | Mostly nocturnal; active spring through autumn in temperate regions year-round in warm indoor or tropical locations. |
| Pest? | Yes | Yes |
🔍How to spot a house cricket
- Length about 16-21 mm, pale tan to brown body with long filamentous antennae.
- Males produce a steady chirping song by rubbing forewings together; listen for this at night.
- Females have a visible straight ovipositor extending from the rear; males lack an ovipositor.
- Wings usually overlap the abdomen; hind legs are large for jumping.
🔍How to spot a tropical house cricket
- Small body length around 10-18 mm, noticeably smaller than Acheta domesticus (common house cricket).
- Tan to golden-brown coloration with darker mottling and a narrow body shape.
- Females have a straight ovipositor visible at the rear; males lack it and sing to attract mates.
- Long filamentous antennae and very short wings (females nearly wingless); slender legs adapted for jumping.
?Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a house cricket and a tropical house cricket?
Acheta domesticus is generally larger, more uniformly darker brown and has a different call; Gryllodes is slimmer and often more mottled/golden.
Is a house cricket or a tropical house cricket more dangerous?
House cricket: Non-toxic. Tropical house cricket: Non-toxic. House crickets do not have venom and rarely bite; a bite would be minor and uncommon. Not venomous.
Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.