Long-horned Orthoptera

Ensifera

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ensifera: //ɛnˈsɪfərə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Histoire physique, politique et naturelle de l'ile de Cuba (Tab. 12) BHL34893040 by Orbigny, Alcide Dessalines d'; Richard, Achille; Sagra, Ramón de la. Used under a Public domain license.
Acheta-domestica-1 by wikipedia. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.1 es license.
Cane sugar; a textbook on the agriculture of the sugar cane, the manufacture of cane sugar, and the analysis of sugar-house products (1921) (14783892795) by Deerr, Noël, 1874-. Used under a No restrictions license.
Northern Mole Cricket by insectsunlocked. Used under a CC0 license.
House Cricket (Acheta domesticus) by Kiloueka. Used under a CC0 license.
Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa MHNT by Didier Descouens. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Ensifera is a diverse suborder of insects that includes true crickets, katydids, and related families. Known for their musical calls, they occupy various ecological niches and are integral to ecosystems. Their evolutionary history suggests they are an older group compared to grasshoppers.

Physical Characteristics

Elongated, threadlike antennae, often longer than the body with over 30 segments (except in Cooloolidae). Dorso-ventral body flattening present in Crickets. Ovipositor typically elongated and blade-like or needle-like. Tarsi consist of three segments.

Identification Tips

Males possess modified forewings with toothed veins and scrapers for producing sound. Tympanal organs situated on the tibiae of front legs. The ovipositor is flexible and needle-like in Crickets and sword-like in other families.

Habitat

Typically nocturnal, found in diverse habitats including grasslands, forests, and urban areas; often in vegetation or under leaves.

Distribution

Worldwide, with over 15,000 species; approximately 1,200 species are found in North America.

Diet

Primarily herbivores or scavengers; some species are partially carnivorous, feeding on other insects as well as plants.

Life Cycle

Many species live for more than one year, undergoing several molts before reaching maturity.

Reproduction

Males attach a spermatophore externally to the female's gonopore. The spermatophore often includes a proteinaceous spermatophylax providing nutritional gifts to females.

Predators

Small mammals, birds, reptiles, and other insects that prey on crickets and katydids.

Ecosystem Role

Pollinators and prey for various animals, playing an important role in ecosystems as herbivores and as a food source for predators.

Economic Impact

Some species are considered pests in agricultural settings, while others are kept as pets due to their musical calls.

Cultural Significance

Crickets and katydids have long-standing cultural significance in various regions, often regarded for their songs and as symbols of good fortune.

Collecting Methods

  • Pitfall traps
  • Sweep nets
  • Hand collection

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol
  • Drying
  • Taxidermy

Evolution

Believed to have originated in the Carboniferous period; considered an ancient group compared to Caelifera.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some individuals mistake all Orthoptera for pests without recognizing their ecological contributions and importance.

Tags

  • Insects
  • Orthoptera
  • Crickets
  • Katydids
  • Biodiversity