| any of several burrowing crickets of the family Gryllotalpidae that have fossorial forelegs and that feed on the roots of plants. |

mole cricket
any of about 65 species of insects (order Orthoptera) that are sometimes placed in the true cricket family, Gryllidae. The common name is derived from the insect's molelike appearance and underground habits. The mole cricket has forelegs modified for shovelling, a cylindrical body, a pointed head, and a velvety coat of hairlike setae. It burrows into moist soil to depths of 15 to 20 cm (6 to 8 inches)
Learn more about mole cricket with a free trial on Britannica.com.