Cricket Season Returns to San Antonio!
San Antonio is buzzing with excitement as we welcome back the familiar chorus of black crickets that signify the arrival of fall in our lovely city. Yes, folks, it’s that time of the year when our sidewalks come alive with the hopping antics of these little critters and when those pesky snout butterflies start making surprise visits to our windshields. If you’re a local, you probably have a mix of nostalgia and annoyance swirling around as you witness these vibrant creatures taking center stage on our streets and cars.
Crickets: Just What We Needed?
So, what’s the deal with these jumping black crickets? According to board-certified entomologist Molly Keck, they have made a comeback this season, and, surprisingly, it’s even larger than last year. However, San Antonio has seen its fair share of cricket craziness over the years, especially memorable was the fall of 2019 when locals felt they had an accompanying soundtrack to their daily lives. Keck reassures us, though, that these critters are harmless and only have a knack for making some of us squeal in surprise!
The reason for this marvellous cricket explosion is quite fascinating. These little guys hatch in the early spring, mature in about three months, and are on the lookout for cool spots to hang out during the hot summer and fall months. They’re nocturnal foragers, munching on dead insects and plants when the sun goes down and keeping a low profile during the heat of the day. Interestingly enough, the bright lights from buildings also play a role in attracting them. So, keep that in mind next time you see a swarm around gas stations or bright business fronts – it’s all about the light!
Butterflies Along for the Ride
As if the crickets weren’t enough, we also have the delightful American snout butterflies fluttering around our city! These unique butterflies are present year-round in San Antonio and Central Texas, but their numbers spike in the fall thanks to the ideal conditions that allow more of them to thrive. Keck points out that, unlike other insects that might migrate, snout butterflies simply emerge in large clusters and tend to fly in a general northward direction, all in search of food and mates.
Fall is definitely prime time for these beautiful creatures. Though this year’s butterfly presence isn’t out of the ordinary, we can likely recall moments when the streets were swarming with butterflies, making them seem almost too numerous to count. From bumpers to windshields, these fluttering friends have certainly made their mark on our lives, and those sightings tend to depend on where you’re located. So if you’re seeing swarms, know that they’re likely enjoying the abundance of resources available at this time.
What to Expect in the Coming Weeks
For those of you wondering how long we’ll have to share our space with these winged and jumping companions, Keck notes that we can expect a decline in both cricket and butterfly sightings in the next couple of weeks. So, soak in the fall festivities while they last! As Alamo City residents, we’re no strangers to the seasonal return of the critters, and we can all agree that while they might drive some of us a tad bonkers, they also add a unique charm to our fall season.
As the lovely cacophony of crickets and the beautiful dance of snout butterflies fill the air, let’s appreciate what these little symbols of fall bring to our neighborhood. Embrace the nature around you, and who knows? Maybe you’ll find yourself with a newfound love for our little friends.
