At this time of year on a warm evening it’s not unusual to hear the loud chirping of crickets in the garden. Children are often fascinated by the loud sound that they make so here are 10 interesting facts about these noisy little bugs you can share with them:

1. Only male crickets chirp and do so to attract a female mate.
2. Male crickets make their chirping noise by rubbing their wings together.
3. Crickets are usually nocturnal which explains why we hear them at dusk and at night.
4. Crickets chirp at a different rate depending on the temperature – the higher the temperature the higher the rate.
5. Crickets are insects and therefore cold blooded. This means they need warm weather to have the energy to chirp. If the weather is too cool their chirping will slow down.
6. Lizards, frogs, and tortoises enjoy eating crickets.
   

   

7. Crickets are also enjoyed by humans in Cambodia and Vietnam (yes, I’ve tried them!)
8. Female crickets can lay up to 200 eggs at a time.
9. Crickets are omnivores.
10. Crickets are considered to be a sign of good luck in many cultures including Japanese and Chinese.

Do you have crickets chirping in your garden?