On the globally distributed genus Gryllodes Saussure, 1874 (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Gryllinae) as a non-native presence in the Americas: taxonomy, morphology, bioacoustics, new records, and species distribution modeling

Abstract

Non-native insects are often inconspicuous organisms that can negatively impact the economy, biodiversity, and public health. Field crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Gryllinae) have historically been used as a food source for livestock, pets, and humans—a practice that likely facilitated the spread of certain species into urban centers and non-native habitats. Although rarely cited as invasive, species like Gryllodes sigillatus and Gryllodes supplicans are now widely distributed across diverse environments. Based on recent fieldwork in Brazil, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Ecuador, we conducted morphological and acoustic analyses that confirmed the presence of G. sigillatus in all five countries and documented the first record of G. supplicans in Brazil. We also reassigned Gryllodes flavispina to Loxoblemmus , limiting Gryllodes to two recognized species. This prompted a reassessment of diagnostic traits and the development of global distribution models. Our findings revealed consistent acoustic and morphological differences between the species, facilitating future detection and monitoring. Biogeographic models predict a broad potential distribution and multiple zones of sympatry. Although Gryllodes species are proposed as alternative food, little is known about their ecological impacts if released or escaped into natural ecosystems. Further studies should assess the consequences of their establishment in non-native regions.

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