In the world of insects, the order Orthoptera includes species such as grasshoppers, crickets, and locusts. They are characterized by having two pairs of straight wings, and their hind legs are usually large and used for jumping.
The Common Field Grasshopper (Chorthippus brunneus) measures 1.4-2.4 cm in length and is widely distributed across the Eurasian continent. This species is often encountered in low, dry grasslands and is most active on sunny days. (Photo: Wikipedia).
The Desert Locust (Schistocerca gregaria) ranges from 4 to 6 cm in length and is found in Africa. After rain, these insects gather in huge swarms that can number in the billions, devastating crops in their path. (Photo: The Scientist).
The Spotted Toxic Grasshopper (Dictyophorus spumans) measures 6-8 cm and is native to South Africa. Its striking red and black coloration warns predators of its toxicity. This species can secrete toxic foam from its thoracic glands. (Photo: Wikipedia).
The Bark Sedge Grasshopper (Meconema thalassinum) ranges from 1.8 to 2 cm in length and is found in Europe. This insect resides on broadleaf trees and hunts small insects after dark. The female has a long, curved ovipositor. (Photo: Wikipedia).
The European Mole Cricket (Gryllotalpa gryllotalpa) measures 4-4.5 cm and is distributed across Europe. This species uses its strong forelegs to burrow similarly to a small mole. They inhabit grasslands and slopes near rivers, where the soil is moist and sandy. (Photo: iNaturalist).
The African Cave Cricket (Phaeophilacris geertsi) is 2 cm long and is found in Central Africa. This species specializes in feeding on decaying organic matter from both animals and plants. They have long antennae adapted to life in narrow, dark habitats. (Photo: Encyclopedia of Life).
The Wellington Wingless Cricket (Hemideina crassidens) measures 5 cm and is an endemic insect of New Zealand. This species lives in tree stumps and rotting wood and is nocturnal, feeding on decaying plant matter and small insects. (Photo: Academic Accelerator).
The Leaf Rolling Cricket (Hyalogryllacris subdebilis) measures 4 cm in length and is native to Australia. This species has a brown-yellow body and lives on leaves. Adults possess wings and long antennae, which can be three times the length of their bodies. (Photo: BunyipCo).
The House Cricket (Acheta domestica) measures 2.4-3 cm in length, originally from Southwest Asia and North Africa, but has spread to Europe. This species is nocturnal and produces characteristic sounds in densely vegetated areas. (Photo: Wikipedia).
The Mediterranean Black Cricket (Gryllus bimaculatus) measures 2.8-3 cm and is widely distributed in Southern Europe and parts of Africa and Asia. They live on the ground, under wood, or debris. (Photo: iNaturalist).
