Field Cricket
VU

Field Cricket

Gryllus campestris

UnknownLCEULCEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gryllus_campestris

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Field Cricket faces severe population declines across its European range due to intensive agricultural practices that eliminate the short grassland habitats it requires. Agricultural intensification has reduced suitable breeding sites by converting traditional hay meadows and pastures to monoculture crops or heavily fertilized grasslands. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering the temperature and moisture conditions necessary for successful overwintering and larval development.

Threat summary

Habitat

Field Crickets inhabit short, sparse grasslands including chalk downs, sandy heathlands, coastal dunes, and traditionally managed hay meadows. They require areas with bare ground patches for burrowing and egg-laying, typically in well-drained soils with scattered vegetation cover.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

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Frequently asked questions

Why is Field Cricket classified as Vulnerable?
Field Cricket is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Field Cricket faces severe population declines across its European range due to intensive agricultural practices that eliminate the short grassland habitats it requires. Agricultural intensification has reduced suitable breeding sites by converting traditional hay meadows and pastures to monoculture crops or heavily fertilized grasslands. Climate change compounds these pressures by altering the temperature and moisture conditions necessary for successful overwintering and larval development.
Where does Field Cricket live?
Field Cricket occurs in Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, and Azerbaijan (plus 46 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Field Cricket?
The main threats to Field Cricket are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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