Grasshoppers are of the order orthopterans, which also include crickets, locusts, and katydids. There are over 11,000 species of grasshoppers in the world. They are winged insects with powerful jumping legs and chewing mouth parts. They have thick antennae which are much shorter than their body. Crickets and katydids have much longer antennae than a grasshopper. Grasshoppers are plant eaters. Plagues of grasshoppers have invaded crops and homes for centuries. They can decimate crops when they swarm, they will eat soybeans, alfalfa, wheat, barley, and other edibles, such as vegetables. Grasshoppers have also been known to carry immature tapeworm or other bird parasites. Grasshoppers and their eggs are prey to many different wildlife, including beetles, wasps, birds, and small mammals. These bugs can be found everywhere.

Here are photos of some different grasshoppers…