Brown or black crickets ???

[Greenhorn]

What are the difference between the black and brown crickets ? Which is the best feeder?

 

[westcoastchameleons]

Brown crickets are a better feeder. I remember Will Hayward had mentioned on another thread that the blacks crickets had more spiny legs, and the chitin that makes up the exterior of them is to hard.

Thanks,
Jake

 

[Will Hayward]

Most common crickets used is Acheta domesticus (common brown house cricket). But others may be found being sold and breed for feeders like; Camel Crickets, Black Field Crickets, and various katydids. Black field crickets do indeed have a hardened carapace and spinier legs. The Camel crickets have very large legs, with spines, though I've never seen them, as I understand it most people disarm them (hah!). Katydids and their cousins, grasshoppers are more popular in Europe because of the laws in the US.

 

[John33871]

sorry for going off the subject, but what about those white crickets? ive seen them in with my crickets sometimes

 

[Will Hayward]

Crickets shed their skin as they crow. Freshly shed crickets are whit before the new body dries out and hardens. These crickets are quite vulnerable to being eaten by other crickets.

 

[John33871]

wow didnt know they would eat each other. thanks for that quick answer

 

[Will Hayward]

Crickets willl try to eat anything if they are hungry enough or determined enough to escape. Others, themselves, your chameleon, silicone, mesh. Same thing goes for mice and rats.

 

[Vibrant Chameleons]

wow didnt know they would eat each other. thanks for that quick answer

They eat eachother all the time if they are hungry or thirsty. I even had some really hungry crickets that I bought in bulk, and when I grabbed a handful to move them into another bin, they were all biting my palms. So always make sure they have enough moisture and food

 

[davemailcall]

By the way, crickets also eat mealworms! I found that out once when I added two crickets to a cup of about 6 mealworms. Those two ate all 6 of the LIVE mealworms in a few hours, all that was left was their outside shell. So keep them seperate!

 

[Sara270]

By the way, crickets also eat mealworms! I found that out once when I added two crickets to a cup of about 6 mealworms. Those two ate all 6 of the LIVE mealworms in a few hours, all that was left was their outside shell. So keep them seperate!

That's interesting. I always wondered about housing smaller roaches and crix together.

 

[Will Hayward]

That's interesting. I always wondered about housing smaller roaches and crix together.

Those two feeders have different care requirements, so, that alone should deter you.