Order Orthoptera
COMMON NAMES: GRASSHOPPERS, CRICKETS AND KATYDIDS
The Orthoptera are medium to large-sized insects with chewing mouthparts and usually four wings, the front pair being narrow and leathery. The hind wings are large and fold up like a fan under the front wings. Metamorphosis is gradual, the life stages being the egg, nymph, and adult. Most members of this order, including grasshoppers, katydids, and tree crickets, live out-of doors and feed on plants. However, some species, such as, crickets can occasionally be found in-doors.
Examples
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Family: Copiphorinae Neoconocephalus sp. - Swordbearing Katydid Size: 2 1/4-2 1/2" (57-64 mm) Hatitat: They are usually found in high grass or weeds. |
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Family: Grillidae Gryllus sp. - Field Cricket Size: 7/8" (22 mm) Habitat: Lives under stones or other cool, moist habitat. |
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Family: Acrididae Dissosteira carolina (Linnaeus) - Carolina Grasshopper Size: 1 3/4 - 2" (44-51 mm) Habitat: Found along roadsides, or on bare ground. |
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| **most of the images included in these pages are from the 'Insects in Kansas' Book. They are freely available for student and noncommercial use (according to their copyright agreement with each photographer) at the PDIS image site, http://www.pdis.org/default.aspx | ||
For additional information on Orthoptera, check out the following websites: