How Long Do Crickets Live? (And Why)

logo by Editorial Staff | Updated on October 29th, 2023

Crickets, much like their close relatives the grasshoppers, are fascinating insects known for their distinctive chirping sounds and impressive jumping abilities. With their large hind legs designed for leaping and their capability to thrive in a diverse range of environments—including meadows, forests, and even our own homes—crickets are a ubiquitous part of many ecosystems. 


Their nocturnal serenades, primarily performed by males to attract potential mates, are a common auditory backdrop in many regions around the world. Yet, despite their prevalence and the familiarity of their songs, there is much more to learn about these insects, particularly regarding their lifespan and the factors that influence them.

brown grasshopper on gray rock during daytime

Lifespan and Development: A Journey from Egg to Adult

Crickets experience a fascinating life cycle, with their lifespan varying significantly depending on the species. There are approximately 900 different species globally, each with unique characteristics and life expectancies. Among the most common are field crickets, camel crickets, and house crickets. 

A female cricket can lay anywhere from hundreds to thousands of eggs, which hatch into nymphs after a two-week incubation period. These nymphs then undergo a gradual maturation process, transforming into adults over an average of 90 days. However, it’s crucial to note that not all crickets follow this exact timeline. 

Mole crickets, for example, can live up to two years, spending winters underground and emerging as adults for the mating season. In contrast, some species of male crickets die shortly after the mating season, while females may live long enough to see their offspring hatch.

Crickets in Your Home: Uninvited Guests with a Limited Stay

When crickets find their way into our homes, their lifespan tends to be on the shorter side, averaging around 8-10 weeks for adults. The colder temperatures of the later months often prove fatal, and even in the absence of such environmental challenges, an adult cricket’s life is not a particularly long one.

Without access to food and water, an adult cricket may survive for up to two weeks, while juveniles have a shorter survival window of 5-7 days. For homeowners dealing with a cricket infestation, understanding these survival limits can be crucial. Some may opt to starve the crickets out, a process that, while potentially effective, can take time and may result in damage to the home in the interim.

Understanding Crickets: Anatomy, Species, and Lifespan Variations

Crickets are more than just their chirping sounds and jumping abilities. These insects, related to both grasshoppers and katydids, boast long antennae that can be as long as their bodies and exhibit a variety of colors across different species. While black is a common coloration, crickets are a diverse group of insects. 

The table below provides a detailed overview of the lifespan variations across different cricket species, offering insight into the life expectancy of males and females in each group:

Cricket SpeciesMale LifespanFemale Lifespan
Field cricketsAn average of 58 days, potentially dying during or shortly after mating2 to 3 months, dying shortly after laying eggs
Camel crickets1 to 3 months, dying shortly after mating2 to 3 months, dying a few days after laying eggs
House crickets8 to 10 weeks, dying shortly after mating8 to 10 weeks, dying a few days after nymphs hatch

Why Do Crickets Live for 2-3 Months?

The lifespan of a cricket is influenced by a myriad of factors, from the specific species and their unique characteristics to external elements like habitat and climate. 

Field crickets, for instance, lay their eggs in the soil, ensuring the next generation’s survival through the winter months. Once hatched, the nymphs take their time developing into adults, a process that can span up to 90 days. On the other hand, mole crickets spend the majority of their lives underground, emerging only for mating before succumbing to death. 

In terms of habitat, crickets that find their way indoors may enjoy a prolonged life, free from natural predators and harsh weather conditions. Yet, they are not immune to the threats posed by predators, with various species relying on crickets as a food source. This predator-prey dynamic plays a crucial role in regulating cricket populations.

Crickets and Climate: A Delicate Balance

The climate of a region significantly impacts cricket lifespans. In areas with distinct seasons, crickets typically live from spring until the early winter months, laying eggs in the fall that will hatch the following year. Warm climates may offer a longer life expectancy, though extreme temperatures at either end of the spectrum can have detrimental effects.

Growth and Development: From Nymph to Adult

The journey from egg to adult is a gradual one for crickets, with nymphs requiring several molts before reaching full maturity. This developmental process spans approximately three months, with an additional month needed for the wings to fully develop.

Conclusion

In conclusion, crickets are complex insects with lifespans influenced by a variety of factors, from species and developmental timelines to habitat, predators, and climate. Whether they are living out their days in the wild or within the confines of our homes, crickets play a vital role in their ecosystems. 

By delving deeper into their lifespans and the factors that shape them, we gain a greater appreciation for these chirping insects and their place in the natural world.

logo

Editorial Staff

Our writers, editors, content managers, and SEO specialist. We all take part in crafting amazing articles. We spend hours ensuring that each article is based on facts, researched, and thorough. You'll never want to click the back button to look for more answers other than here!