chapolins

Chapolins are a group of insects belonging to the order Orthoptera, commonly known as grasshoppers. In many Latin American countries, the term "chapolin" specifically refers to a type of red grasshopper, *Sphenarium purpurascens*, which is notably prominent and often considered a pest in agricultural regions. These insects are characterized by their powerful hind legs adapted for jumping, their leathery forewings (tegmina), and their chewing mouthparts. Chapolins are herbivores, feeding primarily on grasses and other vegetation. Their life cycle involves incomplete metamorphosis, with nymphs hatching from eggs and gradually developing into adults through a series of molts. While often viewed as a nuisance due to their consumption of crops, chapolins also play a role in the ecosystem as a food source for various predators, including birds, reptiles, and mammals. In some cultures, certain species of chapolins are even consumed as a source of protein. The cultural significance of the chapolin is perhaps most widely recognized through the popular Mexican television character "El Chapulín Colorado," whose name and persona are derived from this insect.