Orthoptera

Orthopterans are distinguished from other insect orders by the combination of enlarged hind femora adapted for jumping, stridulatory sound production via wing or leg rubbing, and the location of tympanal organs. Caelifera (grasshoppers and locusts) are characterized by short, relatively stout antennae and tympanal organs on the first abdominal segment. Ensifera (crickets and katydids) possess long, thread-like antennae and tympanal organs on the front tibiae. Within Caelifera, Acrididae (short-horned grasshoppers) have antennae shorter than the head and pronotum combined, while Tettigoniidae (katydids) have antennae often exceeding body length.

Orthopterans possess a generally cylindrical body with elongated hind legs bearing enlarged femora specialized for jumping. They have mandibulate mouthparts for biting and chewing, large compound eyes, and filiform antennae of variable length. Most species have two pairs of wings: the forewings (tegmina) are narrower, hardened at the base, and overlap the abdomen at rest; the hindwings are membranous with straight veins and numerous cross-veins, folded fan-like beneath the forewings when at rest. The tympanum (hearing organ) is located on the front tibia in Ensifera and on the first abdominal segment in Caelifera. The final two to three abdominal segments are reduced, with single-segmented cerci.

Orthopterans occupy diverse terrestrial habitats across all continents except Antarctica. Caelifera are predominantly associated with grasslands, rangelands, agricultural fields, and open habitats from sea level to alpine tundra. Ensifera occur in varied environments including forests, shrublands, caves, and riparian zones; many are arboreal or ground-dwelling. Some species inhabit specialized microhabitats such as soil cracks, leaf litter, or water margins. Habitat specificity varies widely: some species are habitat generalists while others are restricted to particular vegetation types or elevations.

Worldwide distribution across all biogeographic regions except Antarctica. Major diversity centers include tropical and subtropical regions, with significant radiations in Australia, Africa, and the Americas. The order is represented from equatorial zones to subarctic and alpine environments, with species occurring above 4,000 meters elevation in several mountain ranges.

Activity patterns vary by climate and species. Temperate species typically exhibit adult activity from late spring through autumn, with overwintering occurring as eggs or nymphs. Tropical species may show year-round activity with seasonal peaks related to rainfall. Some high-elevation or arid-zone species require two years to complete a single generation. Mass emergence events occur periodically in locust species, with population outbreaks lasting multiple years.

Predominantly herbivorous, feeding on vascular plants including grasses, forbs, shrubs, and agricultural crops. Many species are generalist feeders, though some exhibit dietary specialization. Certain groups consume detritus, fungi, or seeds. A minority of species are omnivorous or opportunistically predaceous, including some katydids that capture other insects. Cannibalism has been documented in high-density populations.

Incomplete metamorphosis (paurometabolous development). Eggs are deposited in soil or vegetation; embryonic development may include diapause. Nymphs hatch and resemble adults but lack fully developed wings, passing through multiple instars (typically 5–7, variable by species). Wing buds develop progressively through successive molts. The final molt produces the adult with functional wings and reproductive capability. Generation time ranges from weeks to years depending on species and environmental conditions.

Stridulation (sound production) is a defining behavior, used primarily for mate attraction and territorial defense. Males typically produce species-specific calling songs; some species exhibit duetting or complex acoustic interactions. Visual and vibrational communication also occur. Many species are solitary, though locusts display density-dependent phase polymorphism leading to gregarious behavior and mass migration. Thermoregulatory basking is common. Defensive behaviors include jumping escape responses, regurgitation of noxious fluids, and thanatosis (playing dead).

Primary consumers in terrestrial food webs, transferring plant biomass to higher trophic levels. Significant herbivores in grassland and agricultural ecosystems, with population irruptions causing substantial vegetation alteration. Serve as prey for diverse vertebrate and invertebrate predators. Some species contribute to nutrient cycling through consumption and fragmentation of plant material. Ecosystem engineering occurs through soil disturbance during oviposition.

Major agricultural pests: locusts and grasshoppers cause billions of dollars in crop damage globally, with historical plagues documented for millennia. Control programs employ chemical insecticides, biological agents, and cultural practices. Food source: orthopterans are consumed in many cultures, with 80+ grasshopper species regularly eaten; house crickets are commercially farmed in Thailand and elsewhere. Scientific research subjects for studies in neurobiology, biomechanics, and evolution. Biofuel research investigates cellulose digestion capabilities. Cultural significance includes kosher status for certain locusts in Judaism and traditional harvesting by Indigenous peoples.

• Phasmatodea (stick insects)Both have elongate bodies and may share plant-feeding habits, but Phasmatodea lack enlarged hind femora, have cylindrical rather than laterally compressed bodies, and do not produce sound via stridulation.
• Mantodea (mantids)Both have elongate prothorax and raptorial forelegs in some groups, but mantids possess highly modified spined forelegs for prey capture, triangular heads with large compound eyes, and lack the saltatorial hind legs characteristic of Orthoptera.

• insect
• jumping legs
• stridulation
• incomplete metamorphosis
• agricultural pest
• food insect
• acoustic communication

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Field Guide Selected References
• Grasshoppers of Colorado
• Hop to It! | Bug Squad
• Mormon Cricket
• Journal of Orthoptera Research joins Pensoft | Blog
• Journal of Orthoptera Research | Blog - Part 3
• Exploring the impact of Cenozoic climate change on diversification of the Australian endemic Eurepini crickets (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Eneopterinae).
• Identification of sex chromosome, sex-biased gene expression and dosage compensation in the pygmy mole cricket Xya riparia (Orthoptera: Tridactyloidea).