orthoptères

Orthoptera is a large order of insects that includes grasshoppers, crickets, and katydids. These insects are characterized by their hind legs, which are adapted for jumping, and their chewing mouthparts. Their name comes from the Greek words "orthos" meaning straight and "pteron" meaning wing, referring to their relatively straight, leathery forewings.

Adult orthopterans typically have two pairs of wings, though some species are wingless. The forewings, known as tegmina, are usually narrow and leathery, protecting the broader, membranous hindwings used for flight. Many species are capable of flight, though their aerial maneuvers can be somewhat clumsy. A distinguishing feature of many orthopterans is their ability to produce sound, often through stridulation, which involves rubbing body parts together. This sound is commonly used for communication, particularly during mating rituals.

Orthopterans are found worldwide, inhabiting a diverse range of environments from grasslands and forests to deserts and even caves. Their diet varies, with most species being herbivorous, feeding on plants, seeds, and leaves. Some species are omnivorous or even carnivorous, preying on other insects. Reproduction typically involves the female laying eggs, often in the ground, in plant stems, or in specialized cases called oothecae. The nymphs that hatch resemble miniature adults and undergo incomplete metamorphosis, molting several times as they grow.