Marketed in the 1950's as the gray cricket, the Acheta domesitcus is actually brown in color. It has been approved by the FDA as a safe reptile food and can be shipped worldwide. These original crickets were readily requested by zoos, fishermen, and pet owners because of several traits:

 * Easily digestible because of the soft exoskeleton

 * Desired aroma – preferred among herps

 * Nutritional content – has what predators need

* Activity level – makes mealtime a fun experience for the pets

* Gentleness – doesn’t bite