mole cricket: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2technical (zoology, entomology, gardening), occasionally formal/natural writing
Quick answer
What does “mole cricket” mean?
A burrowing insect of the family Gryllotalpidae that resembles a cricket and has enlarged front legs adapted for digging, similar to a mole's.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A burrowing insect of the family Gryllotalpidae that resembles a cricket and has enlarged front legs adapted for digging, similar to a mole's.
The term is also used metaphorically to describe something or someone that operates underground or in obscurity, though this is rare. It can occasionally refer to damaging garden pests.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The insect occurs in both regions.
Connotations
Primarily negative in gardening/agricultural contexts as a pest. Neutral in scientific contexts.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, used almost exclusively in specialized contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “mole cricket” in a Sentence
The [adjective] mole cricket [verbs] the [noun].Mole crickets are [adjective] for [gerund] [noun].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mole cricket” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The mole-cricket infestation ruined the lawn.
American English
- We identified mole-cricket damage in the turf.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in biological/entomological papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Rare. Might be used by gardeners or in nature documentaries.
Technical
Primary context. Used in agriculture (pest control), entomology, and horticulture.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mole cricket”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mole cricket”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mole cricket”
- Misspelling as 'molcricket' (should be two words).
- Confusing it with a true mole or a common cricket.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are not dangerous. They are considered agricultural and garden pests because they damage roots and seedlings.
They are omnivorous, feeding on roots, tubers, and other soil insects and their larvae.
They are found worldwide in warm, sandy, or loamy soils, often in lawns, pastures, and agricultural fields.
Yes, most species have wings and are capable of flying, particularly males who fly to find mates or new habitats.
A burrowing insect of the family Gryllotalpidae that resembles a cricket and has enlarged front legs adapted for digging, similar to a mole's.
Mole cricket is usually technical (zoology, entomology, gardening), occasionally formal/natural writing in register.
Mole cricket: in British English it is pronounced /ˈməʊl ˌkrɪk.ɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmoʊl ˌkrɪk.ɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: It's a 'cricket' that digs like a 'mole'. The name perfectly describes its appearance and behaviour.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERGROUND AGENT / HIDDEN PEST (metaphorical use is very rare).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary defining characteristic of a mole cricket?