Grasshoppers, Crickets, and Katydids

Orthopterans are insects known for their large back legs, which help them jump. However, some types have less ability to jump. Most have two pairs of wings. The front wings are usually narrow and tough, while the back wings are thin and fold underneath when resting. Many make sounds by rubbing parts of their bodies together, creating unique calls. Their mouths are built for chewing plants. These insects grow through a simple life cycle, where young ones look like small adults. They live all over the world except in Antarctica. They can be found in many places, such as grasslands, meadows, forests, and caves. Some species are good at flying, while others cannot fly at all. There are more than eleven thousand known species. They are divided into two main groups: one includes grasshoppers and locusts, and the other includes crickets, katydids, and bush-crickets.