Orthoptera - grasshoppers, meadow grasshoppers, katydids and crickets
Grasshopper
Acrididae
1 1/2 in.
Camel cricket
Gryllacrididae
5/8 in.
Orthopterans are medium to large insects usually with, four wings and jumping hind legs. The front pair of wings is narrow and leathery and held straight. The hind wings are large and fold like a fan under the front wings. Camel crickets and some other forms are wingless. Grasshoppers have well developed, chewing mouthparts and are capable of creating devastation in plants and crops, especially when in high numbers. Most members of this order, including grasshoppers, katydids, and tree crickets, live outdoors and feed on plants. All have incomplete metamorphosis. Some crickets find their way into homes, where they may be considered pests.
