Orthoptera are relatively large hopping insects. When winged, their forewings are usually long, thin and somewhat hard, while the hind wings are broad, membranous and can be folded in a fan-like manner beneath the forewings. They are not very strong fliers, though they have large hindlegs which make them great jumpers. Jerusalem crickets and camel crickets have lost their wings entirely.

Orthopterans are often known for their chirping and “singing.” These sounds are generally created by males rubbing their legs or wings on another body part and used to attract female mates. Jerusalem crickets attract mates by drumming their abdomens on the ground, producing vibrations that are sensed by members of the opposite sex.

Aside from the Jerusalem cricket, all of the Orthoptera shown below are immature (so the wings are not fully developed).

Orthopteran Photos (click to enlarge)
Stenopelmatidae - Jerusalem crickets
Stenopelmatus sp.
Gryllacrididae - Camel crickets
Acrididae - Grasshoppers
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