Order Orthoptera - Grasshoppers and Crickets


Order Orthoptera
 The orthoptera contains many well-known and common insects.  They typically have two pairs of wings, the front pair being thickened and called tegmina.  The hind wings are membranous.  The antennae are relatively long and multi-segmented.  Most orthoptera feed on plants and all have chewing mouthparts.  They also have jumping hind legs and can produce sound by stridulation, rubbing one body part against another.  In addition, orthopterans possess auditory organs called tympana that are either located on the first abdominal segment or on the fore-tibia.

Crickets
Crickets have long antennae and cerci.  They have their tympana located on the fore-tibia and females have long cylindrical ovipositors. The stridulating organs are located on the front wings of the males.


Shorthorned Grasshoppers
 Most of the grasshoppers that are abundant in grassy areas and roadsides are shorthorned grasshoppers.  As their name implies, the antennae are usually shorter than the body, typically less than half the body length.  The tympana are located on the first abdominal segment and females have short ovipositors.


Longhorned Grasshoppers
This is a large family that is recognized by their long antennae, which are longer than half the body length.  The tympana are located on the fore-tibia and females have ovipositors that are long and bladelike.