mole cricket (Family Gryllotalpidae)

Characterised most notably by the thickened, barbed forelegs (for digging, hence “mole” cricket). Another characteristic is the headplate (vertex) that is toughened and somewhat shield-like, creating a fluid surface with the thorax whilst tunelling.

@Stolid
Mole crickets are omnivorous and are known to prey on worms and mites, and even birds.

There are three tribes of mole crickets: Gryllotalpini, Scapteriscini, and fossils; each containing several genera of mole crickets.