The family Gryllotalpidae includes 50 to 100 species throughout North and South America, North Africa, southern Europe, Asia and Australasia. They are highly distinctive with cylindrical body and spatulate feet used for burrowing.

The endemic New Zealand species Triamescaptor aotea is silent and wingless. It is rarely seen and appears to be restricted to North Island, New Zealand where it has been recorded most often in the southern portion. Mole crickets live below the soil surface and are likely susceptible to habitat modification from agriculture.