Grasshopper

Grasshoppers make up the suborder Caelifera, primarily the family Acrididae, within the order Orthoptera, and are among the most familiar insect groups worldwide. They are herbivores that convert plant material into animal biomass and serve as a major food source for birds, reptiles, and mammals.

The group is notable because certain species are capable of shifting into a dense, migratory swarming phase known as a locust phase under crowded conditions, though most grasshoppers remain solitary throughout their lives.

Grasshoppers are found on every continent except Antarctica and are especially diverse and abundant in open grassland and prairie habitats.

• Robust, cylindrical body with large, muscular hind legs built for jumping
• Short, stout antennae — much shorter than the body, distinguishing grasshoppers from crickets and katydids
• Leathery, narrow forewings; membranous hindwings, sometimes brightly colored when spread in flight
• Coloring often green, brown, or mottled to blend with vegetation
• Body length varies widely, roughly 20–70 mm; some species produce audible sounds by snapping their wings in flight (crepitation) or rubbing legs against wings

Found on every continent except Antarctica, with greatest diversity in open grassland, prairie, and agricultural habitats. Active during the day, especially in warm, sunny weather. Common from late spring through fall in temperate zones, and present year-round in tropical regions.

Herbivorous, feeding on grasses and a wide range of other plants using strong chewing mandibles. Moves primarily by jumping with its powerful hind legs and can also fly using two pairs of wings. Most species are solitary, though a small number are capable of shifting into a gregarious, swarming phase (the locust phase) under crowded conditions. Serves as an important prey species supporting many predators within grassland ecosystems.

Incomplete metamorphosis. Eggs are laid in pods in the soil in late summer or fall. Nymphs hatch in spring, resembling small wingless adults, and develop through five to six instars over several weeks. Most temperate species produce one generation per year and overwinter as eggs in the soil.