Crickets vs. Grasshoppers: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || Updated on July 1, 2024
Crickets are nocturnal insects with long antennae; grasshoppers are diurnal with short antennae and powerful hind legs for jumping.
Key Differences
Crickets and grasshoppers are both members of the Orthoptera order, making them closely related. However, their physical attributes and behaviors provide clear distinctions. One of the most obvious differences lies in their antennae. Crickets possess long, slender antennae, whereas grasshoppers have shorter and stouter ones.
Another prominent difference between crickets and grasshoppers is their activity cycles. Crickets are primarily nocturnal, which means they're most active during the nighttime. In contrast, grasshoppers are diurnal, being most active during the day.
When it comes to their diet, crickets and grasshoppers also have distinct preferences. While crickets are omnivores and will consume both plant materials and smaller insects, grasshoppers are primarily herbivores, feeding on various plants.
The sound-producing mechanism of these two insects also varies. Crickets produce their characteristic chirping sounds by rubbing their wings together, a process called stridulation. Grasshoppers, on the other hand, produce sound by rubbing their hind legs against their wings.
In terms of anatomy, grasshoppers have powerful hind legs adapted for jumping great distances. While crickets can also jump, their legs are not as well-developed as those of grasshoppers.
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Comparison Chart
Antennae
Long and slender
Short and stout
Activity Cycle
Nocturnal (active at night)
Diurnal (active during the day)
Diet
Omnivorous (both plants and insects)
Primarily herbivorous (mostly plants)
Sound Production
Rubbing wings together
Rubbing hind legs against wings
Hind Legs
Moderately developed for jumping
Powerfully developed for long jumps
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Crickets and Grasshoppers Definitions
Crickets
Omnivorous insects that can consume various materials.
The crickets in my garden seem to enjoy the leftover vegetables.
Grasshoppers
Diurnal insects with powerful jumping legs.
The children tried to catch the grasshoppers hopping in the field.
Crickets
Nocturnal insects known for their chirping sound.
As night fell, the sound of crickets filled the air.
Grasshoppers
Insects that produce sound by rubbing their legs against their wings.
The sound of grasshoppers can be heard in the meadow during a sunny day.
Crickets
Insects with long, slender antennae.
I could tell it was a cricket because of its long antennae.
Grasshoppers
Insects with short, stout antennae.
Upon close inspection, the insect's short antennae revealed it was a grasshopper.
Crickets
Members of the Gryllidae family.
There are many species of crickets, but they all belong to the Gryllidae family.
Grasshoppers
Herbivorous insects feeding primarily on plants.
Farmers are concerned about grasshoppers consuming their crops.
Crickets
Insects that produce sound by stridulation.
You can hear crickets chirping by rubbing their wings together.
Grasshoppers
Members of the Acrididae family.
Most of the common grasshoppers you see belong to the Acrididae family.
Crickets
Any of various orthopteran insects of the family Gryllidae, having long antennae and legs adapted for leaping. The males of many species produce a shrill chirping sound by rubbing the front wings together.
Grasshoppers
Any of numerous orthopteran insects, chiefly of the suborder Caelifera, characteristically having long, powerful hind legs adapted for jumping.
Crickets
(Sports) An outdoor game played with bats, a ball, and wickets by two teams of 11 players each.
Grasshoppers
A light, usually unarmed airplane used for liaison and scouting.
Grasshoppers
A cocktail consisting of crème de menthe, crème de cacao, and cream.
Grasshoppers
Plural of grasshopper
FAQs
Do crickets and grasshoppers belong to the same insect order?
Yes, both crickets and grasshoppers belong to the Orthoptera order.
What do crickets eat?
Crickets are omnivorous and can eat plants, insects, and various organic materials.
Is it true that grasshoppers have ears on their legs?
Yes, grasshoppers have auditory organs, or tympana, located on their front legs.
How do crickets produce their chirping sound?
Crickets produce chirping sounds by rubbing their wings together, a process called stridulation.
How do crickets sense their environment?
Crickets use their long antennae to sense their surroundings and detect vibrations.
Why do crickets chirp more frequently in warmer temperatures?
The rate of cricket chirping increases with temperature, and this phenomenon can even be used as a rudimentary thermometer.
How many legs do grasshoppers have?
Grasshoppers, like all insects, have six legs.
Do crickets have wings?
Yes, most adult crickets have wings, but not all species can fly.
Are crickets considered good luck in some cultures?
Yes, in many cultures, crickets are symbols of luck and prosperity.
How long is the lifespan of a grasshopper?
A typical grasshopper lives for about a year, depending on the species and environmental conditions.
Can grasshoppers change color?
Yes, some species of grasshoppers can change color based on their environment or mood.
Can you keep crickets as pets?
Yes, crickets are often kept as pets or as feed for reptiles and amphibians.
How do grasshoppers communicate?
Grasshoppers communicate through sounds produced by rubbing their hind legs against their wings and through chemical signals.
Are grasshoppers considered pests in agriculture?
Yes, grasshoppers can be pests as they feed on plants and can damage crops.
What's the primary diet of grasshoppers?
Grasshoppers primarily consume plants, making them herbivores.
Do grasshoppers undergo metamorphosis?
Yes, grasshoppers undergo incomplete metamorphosis with nymph stages resembling smaller adults.
Where are crickets commonly found?
Crickets are found worldwide, especially in warmer climates, and often inhabit grassy or wooded areas.
Are crickets and grasshoppers harmful to humans?
Generally, no. Neither insect is harmful to humans, though grasshoppers can be agricultural pests.
Do crickets have a sense of hearing?
Yes, crickets have tympana, or auditory organs, usually located on their front legs.
How do grasshoppers defend themselves?
Grasshoppers can leap great distances to evade predators and some release a foul-tasting liquid.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
