Tridactylidae

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Tridactylidae (pygmy mole crickets; order Orthoptera, suborder Caelifera) Small family of minute, smooth, shiny caeliferans which are usually found on the ground or in burrows, usually near lakes or streams. The hind legs have much enlarged femora, and are used in jumping and swimming, but not in walking. The insects probably feed on algae and other vegetable matter in the soil. About 50 species are known, four of which are Mediterranean in distribution. The genus Tridactylus is cosmopolitan.

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