You’ve probably seen crickets and grasshoppers jumping in yards, meadows and other places with grass. Although they can jump and look a bit similar, these insects are two different animals.
Size is the most significant difference between the two insects. An adult grasshopper is larger than an adult cricket. In terms of color, the average grasshopper is green while the crickets are black or brown. These insects have different eating habits. Crickets are omnivorous, and grasshoppers are herbivores. Although both insects make sound, they each create sound in their own way.
Do both insects have wings? Which insect can jump next? Are they both active at the same time of day? Find out the answers to your questions about crickets and grasshoppers, as well as other fun facts about these tiny jumping insects!
Comparison of crickets and grasshoppers
| Grasshopper | Cricket | |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum. Length: | 4.5 inch plus | 2 inches |
| Colour: | Green, brown | Black brown |
| Vocalization: | Chirping from the friction of the rear leg against the wing | Chirping from the friction of the wings |
| Diet: | Herbivore | Omnivore |
| Activity period: | Day | Night |
| Antennas: | Short and chunky | Long and thin |
| Lifetime: | 12 months | 8-10 weeks |
| Variety | 11,000 plus | 2,400 plus |
| Jump Distance: | 2.6 feet | 3 feet |
9 main differences between crickets and grasshoppers
1. Length
Crickets can be two to three inches long or up to three-eighths of an inch, depending on their species. In addition, some grasshopper species grow up to 4.5 inches, while others only half an inch. In general, crickets are smaller than grasshoppers.
2. Color
Crickets are usually black or dark brown. However, there are a few crickets that are green, like the Big Green Bush cricket. Usually grasshoppers are green. Some are brown or green with brown markings. The pointed-throated grasshopper is one of the most common species in North America. It is bright green with brown wings.
3. Sound
Both insects make a shrill chirping sound, but they do it in different ways. Both insects have wings with which they chirp. Crickets chirp as they rub their wings. Alternatively, the grasshopper makes a chirping sound by rubbing one of its hind legs against the front of the wing.
Males chirp to attract female crickets. This is true for male grasshoppers as well. However, there is a difference. Female grasshoppers can twitter, but not as much as males. Female crickets cannot chirp.
4. Diet
Crickets are omnivorous. They feed on aphids, insect larvae, seeds, grasses, fruits and flowers. Grasshoppers are herbivores that eat plant stems, flowers, and seeds.
5. Period of activity
These two insects are active at different times. On the street you can see grasshoppers jumping and moving around during the day. They are looking for flowers and stems to eat. Crickets sleep during the day and are active at night. So, if you hear chirping somewhere in your room or home at night, chances are it’s a cricket!
6. Antennas
Although antennae are part of the anatomy of both crickets and grasshoppers, there is a major difference between the two. The antennae of the cricket are long. In many cases, the antennae of a cricket are equal to the length of its body. Look at the antennae of a grasshopper and you will notice that they are short and short.
Crickets not only use their antennae as “tentacles” to navigate their environment, but also to fight. The two males fight over the female by squeezing the antennae together and also biting each other. At the end of the fight, the strongest male mates with the female.
7. Life expectancy
The lifespan of a grasshopper reaches 12 months. The average lifespan of a cricket is 8-10 weeks. Of course, the typical lifespan of each of these insects depends on its species.
8. Species
In terms of species, there are far more grasshoppers than crickets. There are over 11,000 species of grasshoppers. Scientists believe that there are many more species of grasshoppers in the world that have not yet been discovered! As for crickets, there are over 2,400 species. Both of these insects live all over the world except Antarctica.
9. Distance of the jump.
Both grasshoppers and crickets can jump long distances. This is especially impressive when you consider how small they are. But who will jump the farthest? The winner is cricket! A cricket can jump 3 feet, and a grasshopper can jump 2.6 feet.
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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
What is the difference between a cricket and a grasshopper?
The main feature that distinguishes grasshoppers from crickets is size. Grasshoppers are longer than crickets. Another difference is that most crickets are nocturnal, while grasshoppers are active during the day. Grasshoppers are herbivores that eat stems, flowers, and seeds. Crickets are omnivorous, and their diet consists of insect larvae, aphids, fruits, grass and seeds.
Are crickets and grasshoppers the same thing?
No. They are two different types of insects that have several things in common.
Is a grasshopper bigger than a cricket?
Yes, grasshoppers are larger than crickets.
Will crickets eat grasshoppers?
Yes. Crickets are omnivorous, so they eat not only plants, but also meat. They will eat grasshoppers, both living and dead.