Cavallette

Cavallette are insects in the suborder Caelifera, within the order Orthoptera. The term is Italian for grasshoppers; cavallette is the plural form, from cavalletta, a diminutive of cavallo (horse), alluding to their jumping ability.

Most cavallette belong to the family Acrididae, the short-horned grasshoppers. They characteristically have relatively short antennae, stout bodies, and powerful hind legs for jumping. Adults often have wings, though some species are wingless or have reduced wings. Color and pattern vary, ranging from green or brown to brightly patterned forms that provide camouflage or warning.

Biology and life cycle: They exhibit incomplete metamorphosis. Females lay eggs in soil or plant tissue, in pods. Eggs hatch into nymphs that resemble smaller adults and molt through several instars before reaching maturity. Development length depends on species and climate.

Ecology and behavior: They are primarily herbivores, feeding on grasses and broad-leaved plants. Most are solitary, but certain Acrididae can proliferate under favorable conditions, forming dense swarms known as locust plagues that migrate and consume vegetation. Predators include birds, reptiles, and small mammals, while pathogens can help regulate populations.

Human relevance: Grasshoppers are important components of ecosystems as producers and prey but can be agricultural pests when populations surge. In some cultures, grasshoppers are harvested for food. Management typically emphasizes monitoring, habitat considerations, and, where appropriate, biological or chemical control methods.