Crickets Vs Grasshoppers [9 Ways to Spot the Difference]

Your debate on Crickets Vs Grasshoppers which is more useful can be a bit confusing.

Here is a detailed guide to assist you in understanding the difference between Crickets and Grasshoppers.

Deciding to breed Crickets or Grasshoppers can look like a difficult task. Because these two insects have a lot of similarities and differences.

Nonetheless, keep reading this composition and find out all you need to know about Crickets Vs Grasshoppers.

Crickets Vs Grasshoppers.

As stated earlier these two insects have a lot of differences and similarities.  But let’s check out the differences first.

1. Their Antennae.

Grasshoppers have very short antennae. They are not as long as their bodies.

However, crickets have long antennae which are almost as long as their bodies.

2. Feeding.

You can find grasshoppers on vegetation during the day, mostly in the afternoon hours, this is why they are called (diurnal animals). 

Grasshoppers are also known as Garden pests. They are herbivorous insects that feed on vegetation, stems, and leaves of plants this is why gardeners constantly look for ways to repel this insect.

While crickets feed at night. They hide in warm places away from the sun during the day. This is why they are called (crepuscular animals).

Crickets are grouped under Ominivore insects because they feed on drains, fruits, vegetables, insect eggs, larvae, scale insects, aphids, and any snacks you leave uncovered in your house during the night.

These insects can cause a great nuisance in farmlands. Because plants die when the leaves get destroyed.

3. Sound.

Crickets produce sounds by rubbing some parts of their body together. This sound is created by rubbing their teeth and wings amongst each other.

The male cricket uses this means to attract the female crickets. However, when they come in contact with the male crickets they produce another sound which is known as a “fight song”.

Meanwhile, grasshoppers produce sounds in different ways.

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a. By Stridulation.

This is when the hind legs and front wings of grasshoppers rub together. Which is the row of teeth on a grasshopper’s legs against the ridge of its wings.

b. By Crepitation.

It is only a band winged Grasshopper that can make this sound. This sound is made by flashing their wings and displaying the beautiful colors of these wings. 

c. By Drumming.

This sound is made by rubbing shaking and striking their hind legs against their underlayer to produce a sound.

4. Appearance.

Grasshoppers are naturally bigger than crickets and they come in many colors. You can find yellow, orange, green, and even red grasshoppers on the fields.

Meanwhile, crickets are predominately green and grey. One of the easiest ways to differentiate a cricket from a grasshopper is through its antenna.

Crickets naturally have longer antennas than grasshoppers. Just in case you find any of these insects in your field you now know one of the best ways to differentiate them.

Flying is another way to differentiate between Crickets and Grasshoppers. Because grasshoppers can fly and jump while crickets can jump. 

So, If you find a flying insect with a short antenna, you have most likely seen a grasshopper.

5. Sound Penetration.

Grasshoppers traces sound through an eardrum-like structure called tympana which you can find in their first abdominal segments.

However, a cricket tympanum is located on its front legs close to its Tibiae.

6. Ovipositor.

The Ovipositor of a grasshopper opens upwards and downwards and it is curved and pointed. 

While the ovipositor of a grasshopper is long and looks like a tube. Both insects use this body part to make holes for laying eggs in the soil and vegetation.

7. Egg laying.

Grasshoppers lay their eggs in the soil, while crickets lay their eggs in moist soil and vegetation.

8. Mating.

Female cricket goes after male cricket during their mating period. While small male grasshoppers chase female grasshoppers during copulation season.

9. Association With Humans.

Grasshoppers are more dangerous than crickets in the agricultural world. They can reproduce at a very high rate thereby causing damage to thousands of farmlands.

On the other hand, crickets are edible, and its part of North America and Asia food delicacy. Most people in Asia keep crickets as pests.

Human beings relate more to Crickets than Grasshoppers. This is portrayed in our poets, novels, movies, and animation. Cartoons like Pinocchio and Mulan showcased crickets as close friends.

When Can You See Crickets And Grasshoppers?

The summer period is one of the best times to see crickets and grasshoppers.

The best places to get a glimpse of grasshoppers and crickets are woodland edges, bogs, long grasses, and dense vegetation.

The colors of these insects make it very difficult for people to see them whenever they are around the vegetation. You are more likely to see than hear these insects.

Similarities Between A Grasshopper And A Cricket.

Despite being different in many ways, the grasshopper and Cricket also have a few similarities. 

Look through some of them below.

• They both belong to the Orthoptera family.
• Grasshoppers and Crickets both have wings and hind legs that aid their movement.
• Both insects have long antennae, three pairs of legs, and two pairs of wings.
• Grasshoppers and Crickets are herbivores that eat leaves, stems, flowers, and seeds.
• Both insects are attracted to lights at night.
• You can find grasshoppers and crickets in fields and meadows, where there is vegetation for them to eat.

Conclusion.

We hope this blog post has settled your argument on Cricket Vs Grasshopper. Now you can differentiate between Crickets and Grasshoppers. 

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