Orthoptera

Orthoptera is an order of insects that includes grasshoppers, locusts, crickets, and katydids. Members are typically characterized by enlarged hind legs adapted for jumping, chewing mouthparts, and two pairs of wings when present. The forewings, or tegmina, are usually thickened and shield the hind wings, which are often membranous and used for flight. Most Orthoptera undergo incomplete metamorphosis, with life stages including egg, nymph, and adult. Nymphs resemble small adults but lack fully developed wings. Antennae are often long, especially in crickets and katydids; in the grasshoppers (Caelifera) antennae are relatively short.

Orthoptera is traditionally divided into two suborders: Caelifera and Ensifera. Caelifera, the short-horned grasshoppers, include many herbivorous species and several agricultural pests. Ensifera, the long-horned group, includes crickets and katydids (bush crickets), most of which produce sounds by stridulation. The suborder contains families such as Acrididae (grasshoppers), Gryllidae (crickets), and Tettigoniidae (katydids).

Ecology and behavior: Many species are diurnal or nocturnal herbivores, feeding on leaves, grasses, and stems, though some are omnivorous or predatory. Sound production by males, using specialized wing organs, serves to attract mates and establish territories. Locusts, a subset of grasshoppers, can undergo phase changes that lead to swarming. Reproduction involves eggs deposited in soil or plant tissue; eggs hatch into nymphs that gradually develop wings and mature into adults.

Impact and conservation: Orthopterans play important roles as herbivores, prey, and scavengers. They can be agricultural pests, causing crop damage, while others contribute to ecosystem functioning and serve as food for humans in some cultures. Populations are sensitive to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. The fossil record for Orthoptera extends back to the Triassic, reflecting a long evolutionary history.