Grasshoppers and crickets

This group includes grasshoppers, bush-crickets and true crickets.

Grasshoppers and crickets form the group called Orthoptera. They are generally recognised by their large hind legs and ability to jump or scuttle away quickly if approached.

House crickets, field grasshoppers and bush crickets are some of the few species that are observed in and around people's homes.

Each year there are a handful of sightings of very large grasshoppers, which are usually locusts. These are the result of escaped 'pet food' (reptiles and spiders) or stowaways in imported goods.

Grasshoppers are herbivores and most species feed on grasses and low herbage. Bush-crickets are omnivorous and feed on other invertebrates as well as plants and shrubs. True crickets are herbivores, omnivores or scavengers such as the house cricket.

Number of UK species: 30