Crickets, grasshoppers, and
katydids are included in the Order Orthoptera. The name
Orthoptera means straight wings. Although some species in
this Order have very small or non-existant wings, most have two
pairs with the front pair being relatively straight. The
front pair usually covers and protects the hind pair when the
insect is at rest.
The insects of this Order are
quite musical. The males of most crickets, katydis, and
some grasshoppers generate a sound to attract females by rubbing
a set of tiny pegs on one forewing over a file set in the other
forewing.
