Grasshoppers are widespread, plant-eating organisms found across the globe. Their lineage stretches back roughly 250 million years, making them among the oldest living groups of chewing, herbivorous insects. This deep history and global distribution have led to enormous biological diversification. Understanding their variety requires looking closely at how scientists categorize this pervasive group.
The Current Count and Taxonomic Placement
The question of how many species of grasshoppers exist is answered within the scientific structure of the Order Orthoptera, which also includes crickets and katydids. Within this order, all true grasshoppers are classified under the suborder Caelifera, commonly known as the short-horned grasshoppers. Current estimates place the number of described species within the Caelifera at approximately 11,000 to 12,000 species worldwide. Many undescribed species are believed to exist, particularly in highly biodiverse regions like tropical wet forests. The Caelifera suborder includes some 2,400 valid genera, reflecting a vast array of body forms and ecological roles across this group.
Distinguishing Grasshoppers from Related Insects
The count of 11,000 to 12,000 species refers specifically to Caelifera, which must be differentiated from the other major suborder of Orthoptera, the Ensifera (crickets and katydids). The primary difference lies in the antennae: grasshoppers have short, stout antennae, typically shorter than the body. Ensiferans, by contrast, possess long, thin, filamentous antennae that often exceed the length of their entire body. Grasshoppers have their tympanal organs (ears) located on the sides of the first abdominal segment and produce sound (stridulation) by rubbing their hind femurs against their forewings or abdomen. Ensiferans have their tympanal organs situated on their front tibiae and generate sound by rubbing their two forewings together.
Major Global Diversity Groups
The diversity within Caelifera is best understood by examining its major superfamilies and families. The largest and most economically significant group is the superfamily Acridoidea, which alone accounts for an estimated 7,200 to 8,000 known species. This superfamily contains the family Acrididae (true grasshoppers and locusts), which are globally distributed and include many species that exhibit swarming behavior. Other specialized groups include the Tetrigidae (pygmy and grouse grasshoppers), identified by their elongated pronotum. The Eumastacoidea (monkey grasshoppers) are characterized by slender bodies and often tree-dwelling habits.