Grasshopper
Scientific Name: Caelifera (suborder), multiple species
Order & Family: Order: Orthoptera, Suborder: Caelifera
Size: Typically 1 to 7 cm (0.4 to 2.8 inches) in length, depending on the species.

Natural Habitat
Grasslands, meadows, fields, gardens, and other areas with abundant vegetation.
Diet & Feeding
Primarily herbivorous, feeding on a wide variety of plants, grasses, leaves, and sometimes crops.
Behavior Patterns
Known for their jumping ability to escape predators or move. Many species are diurnal. Males often produce sounds (stridulation) by rubbing their hind legs against their forewings or abdomen to attract mates. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis, with nymphs hatching from eggs and gradually growing into adults.
Risks & Benefits
Potential risks include being significant agricultural pests, especially in large swarms (locusts), capable of devastating crops. Benefits include serving as a food source for many animals (birds, reptiles, small mammals) and contributing to nutrient cycling by consuming plant matter.
Identified on: 10/15/2025