Several hypotheses attempt to explain the origin of the term "Jerusalem cricket".[8] John Stoffolano hypothesizes that the term originated from a mixing of Navajo and Christian terminology. He suggests that Franciscan priests had a strong connection with the Navajos, particularly in the development of the Navajo dictionary and vocabulary. These priests, Stoffolano contends, heard the Navajos speak of a "skull insect" and took this to be a reference to Skull Hill, the cliff outside Jerusalem near the place where Jesus was said to be crucified.
The Jerusalem cricket spends most of its life underground. Its large, almost humanoid head supports the necessary muscles that assist the jaws in digging in the soil and feeding on living and dead plant materials. Like most crickets, this insect also produces sound, called drumming, by hitting its spiny legs against its body.Common myths
As is true for other large, arthropods (e.g. solfugids), there are a number of folk tales regarding Jerusalem crickets which are simply untrue; first and foremost, they are not venomous. However, they can emit a foul smell and are capable of inflicting a painful bite - but neither is lethal, as some of the tales would suggest. They also do not cry like children, nor do they rub their legs together to make sounds.
Here is a photo of the crickets with wings and prickly legs that make a supposed violin sound. I remember them having a very powerful spring where they were caught and would try to get away. This looks nothing like the Disney Character. Maybe Jiminy was modeled after a wingless, foul smelling Potato Bug.
Golgotha
