Hold the Potatos, Please

Those in the know call it the Jerusalem Cricket. Most people call it the potato bug. We just call it ugly.
These nasties are one of the ugliest animals found in California (and elsewhere). They're big, too. I have seen them in action. If you hold one in your fingers, it starts lashing out with those hind legs. See the spikes? Once those prick you they cause beads of blood to form on your fingertips.
Many ugly creatures have redeeming qualities: personality, utility, being incredibly rare, etc. These have none of those. They should be eradicated.

We strongly recommend visiting www.potatobugs.com. We share their sentiments regarding this creature.














Photo courtesy: usgs.gov.