Orthoptera
(Grasshoppers, crickets)
There are more than 20,000 species in this order with a worldwide distribution. The body size varies from less than 5 mm to some of the world’s largest insects, with body lengths up to 12 cm. Members of this order are generally phytophagous but most species are omnivores.
Grasshoppers, katydids and crickets are well known for their abilities to jump and particularly for singing by males (females are typically silent).
The name Orthoptera is derived from “orthos” meaning “straight” and “pteron” = “wing”.
In addition to the saltatory hind legs, most orthopterans have small and well separated hind coxae, and unsegmented cerci and leathery forewings.