The Mormon cricket (Anabrus simplex) is a large insect native to western North America in rangelands dominated by sagebrush and forbs.

[2] Although flightless, the Mormon cricket may travel up to two kilometres a day in its swarming phase[3] during which it may be a serious agricultural pest and sometimes a traffic hazard.

The pronotum, the dorsal "shield" above the prothorax, covers vestigial wings); in some specimens it bears colored markings.

The nymphs pass through seven instars before reaching the adult stage, typically taking 60 to 90 days.

At certain times and places, population explosions or infestations occur in which large numbers of the crickets form roving bands.

[2] The Mormon cricket shows a marked preference for forbs, but grasses and shrubs such as sagebrush are also consumed.

Gordius robustus, a species of horsehair worm, is a parasite of the Mormon cricket,[11] as is Ooencyrtus anabrivorus.

[12] The most common chemical control method used is carbaryl (typically sold as "Sevin Dust") bait.

Residents of some small towns have used boom boxes and sound systems playing hard rock music in attempts to divert the moving swarms away from crops and houses.

[13] Another method for the control of Mormon crickets is the use of a biopesticide based on the fungus Nosema locustae.

N. locustae is a naturally occurring microbe the spores of which kill orthopterans by interfering with the digestive system.