We describe here the cloning and characterization of a cDNA encoding a putative myosin light chain-2 (MLC-2) from the mole cricket, Gryllotalpa orientalis. The G. orientalis MLC-2 cDNA sequences comprised of 615 bp with 205 amino acid residues with a calculated molecular weight of approximately 23 kDa. The deduced protein sequence of G. orientalis MLC-2 cDNA showed 64% and 54% identity to Drosophila melanogaster MLC-2 and D. yakuba MLC-2, respectively. Northern blot analysis confirmed the muscle-specific expression of G. orientalis MLC-2.