Grasshoppers are typically ground dwelling insects, with powerful hind legs which allow them to escape if danger threatens or a photographer gets too close. Grasshoppers start off as eggs, which hatch into nymphs. These nymphs then undergo 5 moults, becoming more similar to the adult grasshopper at each stage.

At high population densities and under certain environmental conditions, some grasshopper species can change colour and behaviour and form swarms. These grasshoppers are now called locusts.