Grasshoppers are among the oldest living groups of insects, with fossils dating back to the Triassic period some 250 million years ago. These small herbivorous creatures are easily recognized by their long hind legs which enable them to leap great distances. There are over 11,000 species of grasshoppers worldwide, ranging in size from less than 1 cm to over 10 cm. They can be found on every continent except Antarctica and in almost every habitat, including deserts, forests, meadows and mountains.
Grasshoppers are typically brown or green in color and have two pairs of wings; the front pair being larger than the rear pair. The hind legs are significantly longer than the other three pairs and end in a sharp claw which is used for digging into soil or for defense. The female grasshopper is usually larger than the male and has a ovipositor (an egg-laying organ) at the end of her abdomen.
The diet of a grasshopper consists mainly of plants, although some species will also eat small insects such as ants or aphids. They use their powerful mandibles (jaws) to bite off pieces of leaves which they then chew with their chewing mouthparts. Some species of grasshoppers can strip a plant completely bare in just a few days!
When threatened, grasshoppers may try to escape by flying away or they may fight back using their powerful hind legs to kick at predators. If all else fails, they will play dead until the danger has passed!
Grasshoppers are an important food source for many animals such as birds, reptiles and mammals. They are also considered pests by farmers as they can destroy crops very quickly. In some cultures, grasshoppers are considered a delicacy and are eaten fried or roasted!