Sandgropers

The Western Australian Museum Entomology department recently received some curious grub-like insects from a member of the public. They were identified as Sandgropers (Cylindraustralia kochii) also known as cylindrachetids. Sandgropers are not often encountered due to their subterranean habits; they live underground in burrows and rarely come to the surface. These specimens were dug out of a suburban garden in soil less than 50 cm deep. They prefer sandy soils and are common on the Swan Coastal Plain.

Sandgropers can be easily distinguished from mole crickets, another peculiar-looking burrowing insect, which have long antennae, wings (when adult) and hind legs that reach to or beyond the apex of the abdomen.

For more information on Perth’s fascinating sandgropers please read our factsheet; http://museum.wa.gov.au/research/collections/terrestrial-zoology/entomol...