Orthoptera

Roesel's bush-cricket (Metrioptera roeselii diluta) male

Arachnocephalus vestitus01

Ceuthophiluscricket

Cricket September 2010-1

Пальцепалый кузнечик

Pygmy mole cricket (8071068977) cropped

Orthoptera is an order of insects that comprises over 20,000 species, including familiar insects such as grasshoppers, crickets, katydids, and their allies. Members of this order are characterized by their elongated bodies, large hind legs adapted for jumping, and in many cases, the ability to produce sound (stridulation) for communication. Orthoptera is divided into two main suborders: Caelifera, which includes grasshoppers and locusts, and Ensifera, which encompasses crickets and katydids.

Characteristics

Orthopterans exhibit a wide range of sizes, colors, and shapes, but they share several common characteristics. They have mouthparts designed for chewing and are predominantly herbivorous, feeding on leaves, stems, and seeds, although some species are omnivorous or carnivorous. Their hind legs are typically much larger and stronger than the front and middle legs, enabling powerful jumps. Orthopterans have two pairs of wings, with the front pair being more rigid to protect the membranous hind wings, which are used for flight in species that are capable of it.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Orthoptera includes three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Orthopterans undergo incomplete metamorphosis, meaning that the nymphs (juveniles) resemble smaller versions of the adults and gradually develop into their adult form through a series of molts. Nymphs typically undergo five to six molts before reaching maturity. The duration of the life cycle varies greatly among species, with some completing their cycle in a single season, while others may take several years.

Communication

Many Orthopterans are capable of producing sound, a behavior known as stridulation. This is most commonly achieved by rubbing a row of pegs on one wing against a hardened vein on the other wing, although some species use different mechanisms. Sound production plays a crucial role in courtship and territorial displays. Additionally, some species are capable of hearing, with organs located on the legs or abdomen.

Habitat and Distribution

Orthoptera are found worldwide, from tropical rainforests to deserts. They are most abundant and diverse in tropical regions but are also common in temperate zones. Their habitats range from grasslands and forests to marshes and agricultural fields, where some species are considered pests due to their potential to cause significant crop damage.

Economic Importance

While many Orthopterans play a vital role in ecosystems as herbivores and prey for other animals, some species are notorious agricultural pests. Locusts, in particular, are capable of forming large swarms that can devastate crops, leading to significant economic losses. Efforts to control pest species include chemical pesticides, biological control agents, and habitat management.

Conservation

Some Orthopteran species are threatened by habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Conservation efforts for these insects focus on habitat preservation and management, as well as research to better understand their ecology and the impacts of human activities on their populations.