Wart-biter bush cricket

There are only five sites in the UK where this large cricket can be found - Sussex, Kent and Wiltshire. They used to be widespread in southern England but are now considered one of Britain’s most endangered insects. It is thought that decline is due to destruction of habitat and over-grazing (a familiar tale here). Their name originates from the 18th Century practice of using their strong mandibles to bite off warts! In the wild, these crickets apparently don’t eat warts but are omnivorous and eat various grasses and insects- including other crickets.