Amid the emergence of countless cicadas on the East Coast of the United States, areas in the western United States like Nevada are also facing a massive invasion of Mormon crickets, resembling scenes from disaster movies. These large numbers of crickets not only devour plants and disrupt ecosystems but also bring about significant economic losses.
According to reports from the Associated Press, the University of Nevada, Reno states that these Mormon crickets are native insects to North America, capable of growing up to 2 inches (5 centimeters) in length. They are not actually crickets but katydids that resemble locusts but do not have the ability to fly.
Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that these insects move in swarms, covering at least a quarter of a mile (0.4 kilometers) in distance per day. When they feed on plants, many crops suffer damage, leading to sudden changes in natural processes such as soil erosion, surface runoff, and nutrient cycling.
The University of Nevada, Reno warns that in situations with a large number of Mormon crickets, their feeding can cause issues like soil erosion, nutrient depletion, deterioration in water quality, and potential harm to agricultural lands and ecosystems.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture mentions that in recent years, the problem of increasing Mormon crickets in the western United States has been worsening, with climate crisis being a contributing factor. Drought conditions can trigger a massive outbreak of Mormon crickets, and the appearance of billions of these insects poses a threat to farmlands, leading to significant economic and ecological losses.
As reported by ABC4 TV station, footage of a large number of Mormon crickets in the Spring Creek area of Nevada recently went viral online. Thousands of these insects could be seen crawling on the open fields and roads, resembling scenes from a disaster movie.
Resident Gary Doherty of Spring Creek mentioned that one side of his house was completely covered by a thick layer of Mormon crickets over the last weekend. He couldn’t even open the door as the insects would pour in once it was opened.
Doherty spent several hours cleaning the front door, attempting to vacuum the insects away, with little progress. Having lived in the area for 30 years, he mentioned that while he has encountered Mormon crickets before, he had never seen so many congregating at his home, finding the situation strange and unsettling.
Another resident, Kyra Adams, told the Storyful website that a large number of Mormon crickets covered their houses and buildings. When the insects were crushed on the roads, they became gruesome and emitted a foul odor under the scorching sun.
Adams expressed, “Imagine going to church and seeing these sights.”
Previously reported by Epoch Times, Nevada entomologist Jeff Knight mentioned that Mormon crickets do not always move in groups, and it is currently unclear why they sometimes migrate in massive numbers at once.