Gryllodes sigillatus, or the banded cricket, is a type of cricket that is frequently kept as a feeder bug for a variety of amphibians, birds, and reptiles. They originated in the tropics, but are now routinely produced in zoos and aquariums for the purpose of providing food for other creatures.
Banded crickets have a cylindrical body and lengthy antennae, just like other kinds of crickets. Their common name, "banded" crickets, comes from the distinct black bands across their wings and abdomen that give them their characteristic brown coloration. They can be distinguished from other species of cricket by these distinctive bands.
Banded crickets, in comparison to other kinds of cricket, are small. Males reach maturity at about 0.5 inches (12 mm) in length, while females average 0.6 inches (15 mm) to 0.8 inches (20 mm) in length.
Banded crickets eat anything from plant life to rotting stuff to carrion to other insects. Their high protein content makes them a healthy choice for insectivorous animals like reptiles.
Banded crickets have risen in popularity as a staple feeder insect for many species of reptiles due to their accessibility, nutritional value, and relative ease of care.