MALES AND FEMALES

Female grasshoppers are usually slightly larger than the males and they have short ovipositors (tubes through which they deposit eggs).

HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION

Grasshoppers occur all over the world, except in the extremely cold North and South Pole. Habitats range from grassy plains and woods to wetlands and semi-arid areas, as well as gardens.

DIET

Grasshoppers eat only plant materials such as leaves, grass and grains. Their strong jaws allow them to easily bite off and chew the plant material.

NOISY CRITTERS

Male grasshoppers produce a sound by rubbing their rough hind legs against their hard front wings. This friction causes a vibration that produces sound – almost like a bow playing a violin. These “songs” – or chirrups – are meant to attract females.

PESTS

Locusts – migratory grasshoppers – are found worldwide. They’re called migratory because they travel in enormous swarms for great distances in search of food. Swarming happens when there’s a sudden increase in the population and they have to go searching for food. A swarm can travel for weeks on end, covering thousands of kilometres. Where it lands, each locust can devour more than its own weight, destroying crops.