June 4, 2009 06:57 by
LukeHow do you display a cricket that prefers to spend much of its time underground? A new display in Bugs Alive provides a window into the burrow of a White Kneed King Cricket and visitors can light up the chamber at the press of a button. The red light is outside the visible range of these insects and so ensures that the cricket isn't disturbed by the many visitors pressing the button to get a clear view. The White-kneed King Cricket Penalva flavocalceata has an impressive set of antennae, strong spiked rear legs and a formidable set of chompers. The long spike at the rear end is not a sting- it's an ovipositor. Females use their ovipositors to lay their eggs deep into the soil.
New burrow 'peep' display Photo: Luke Simpkin Source: Museum Victoria
White-kneed King Cricket Penalva flavocalceata Photo: Alan Henderson Source: Museum Victoria
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