Grasshoppers - order Orthoptera
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Insects of the Orthoptera order have enlarged hind legs that are adapted for jumping, and there's over 25,000 known species worldwide. Only about 11 of these species can be found here in Ireland, 5 of which are Grasshoppers (Acrididae family), the rest being classed as Groundhoppers and Bush-crickets. They are found in grassy areas, often heard, not seen - unless slowly walking through the grass where you will see them hop away from your approach. The similarity of some species makes them difficult to identify in the wild; not helped by the wide range of colour forms sported by most species.
Grasshoppers hatch in spring, develop and mature in the same year, lay eggs, die.