After overwintering as nymphs, spring field crickets are on the move again in fields, vacant lots, and other weedy grassy areas. They are the most common large black cricket with a slowish chirp in the spring in many regions—ranging roughly through the northern half of the US. Most true crickets, which are characterized by flattened bodies with long, thin antennae, are omnivores that scavenge for dead bits of plants and animals. We should start seeing adults with wings early in the spring, with females sporting long, needle-like ovipositors (tube-like organ used to lay eggs).
Photo by: Karen Weaver on 3/25/21 in Missoula, MT