Orthopterans are a group of insects that include species such as grasshoppers, crickets, and katydids. They are characterized by their straight wings and strong hind legs, which are adapted for jumping. Most orthopterans are herbivorous, feeding on plants, and they are known for their distinctive sounds, produced by rubbing their wings or legs together. These insects undergo incomplete metamorphosis, meaning they develop through a series of nymph stages before becoming adults. Orthopterans play important roles in ecosystems as both herbivores and prey for various animals, contributing to the balance of food webs in their habitats.