Scientists may not have paid much attention to greenhouse camel cricket, an invasive species of camel cricket from Asia. This has apparently grown in number and became increasingly common in American homes. A survey of cricket sightings has also revealed that this non-native species has already overtook the population of native species in eastern U.S.
In a new study published in PeerJ on Sept. 2, Mary Jane Epps, from the North Carolina State University's Department of Biological Sciences, and colleagues conducted surveys as well as solicited images and specimen of crickets to determine the distribution of the insect in U.S. households.
Based on the responses that they have received from 39 states and the District of Columbia, the researchers found that the greenhouse camel cricket (Diestrammena asynamora) has already taken the place of the native species as the most common camel cricket in Eastern US.
Native to Asia, the greenhouse camel cricket was initially believed to seldom live outside of greenhouses, hence its name. Results of the study, however, reveal that the insect is far more common in houses than previously believed as it was reported by more than 90 percent of those who responded.
"We show that the exotic Diestrammena asynamora not only has become a common presence in eastern houses, but is found in these environments far more frequently than native camel crickets," the researchers wrote.
Epp and colleagues said that it isn't yet clear what would be the impact of the Asian species on the local ecosystem but it may possibly be driving out the native species in homes. The researchers also said that although invasive species are not a good sign, homeowners should not panic because having camel crickets at home may actually offer some advantages.
"Because they are scavengers, camel crickets may actually provide an important service in our basements or garages, eating the dead stuff that accumulates there," said study co-author Holly Menninger, from the Department of Biological Sciences at the North Carolina State University.
The study has also revealed the presence of another Asian species, the Diestrammena japonica, which has not yet been formally reported in the U.S., albeit this species seems to only show up in Northeastern homes and was only identified based on the submitted photos. The researchers said that they would love to have a physical specimen so they can determine whether or not the species is indeed D. japonica.
