Orthoptera

Lore & Background

Orthopterans have a generally cylindrical body with elongated hindlegs adapted for jumping. They possess mandibulate mouthparts for biting and chewing, large compound eyes, and filiform antennae of variable length. The thorax has enlarged first and third segments, with a much smaller second segment. They have two pairs of wings: the forewings (tegmina) are narrower and hardened at the base, while the hindwings are membranous and fold fan-like under the forewings at rest. The final two to three abdominal segments are reduced and bear single-segmented cerci. The life cycle is paurometabolous (incomplete metamorphosis). Eggs are laid in the ground or on vegetation. Young nymphs resemble adults but lack wings and are often called 'hoppers'; they may have radically different coloration. Through successive moults, they develop wings until the final moult into a mature adult. The number of moults varies by species, and growth duration ranges from weeks to months depending on food and weather. Sound production (stridulation) occurs by rubbing wings against each other or against the legs, which bear rows of corrugated bumps. The tympanum (ear) is located on the front tibia in crickets, mole crickets, and bush crickets, and on the first abdominal segment in grasshoppers and locusts. These organisms use vibrations to locate other individuals.

Reader's Guide

Orthoptera holds significance as one of the most recognizable insect orders, encompassing both beneficial and pest species. Taxonomically, the two suborders are considered monophyletic, and recent phylogenies based on transcriptomes and mitochondrial genomes have clarified relationships within the group. Economically, several orthopteran species are major agricultural pests. Grasshoppers cause significant damage to crops like soybeans, especially during droughts. Conversely, orthopterans are also a food source for humans: most are edible, with about 80 species of grasshoppers regularly consumed worldwide. In Judaism, certain orthopterans are the only insects considered kosher, as specified in Leviticus. Research into grasshopper gut microbes shows promise for biofuel production, as these insects can break down cellulose and lignin without producing greenhouse gases. The order's diversity, ecological roles, and interactions with humans make it a subject of ongoing scientific and cultural interest.

Did You Know?

• The name Orthoptera comes from Greek words meaning 'straight' and 'wings.'
• Orthopterans produce sound (stridulation) by rubbing their wings against each other or their legs, which have rows of corrugated bumps.
• In Judaism, Orthoptera are the only insects considered kosher, with specific criteria given in Leviticus.