Ensifera Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Ensifera Temporal range: Carboniferous – Recent

A katydid
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Arthropoda
Class:	Insecta
Order:	Orthoptera
Suborder:	Ensifera
Superfamilies and families
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Ensifera is a special group of insects. They are part of the larger order called Orthoptera. This group includes many insects you might know, like crickets, katydids, and bush crickets. The name "Ensifera" comes from Latin. It means "sword bearer." This name refers to the female insects. They have a long, blade-like part called an ovipositor. Females use this tool to lay their eggs.

What are Ensifera?
Life Cycle and Habitat
Images for kids
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What are Ensifera?

Ensifera are insects known for their long antennae. Their antennae are usually longer than their bodies. This is a key way to tell them apart. They also have strong hind legs. These legs are perfect for jumping. Many Ensifera species are famous for the sounds they make. They "sing" by rubbing their body parts together. This is called stridulation.

Crickets

A common field cricket.

Crickets are well-known members of the Ensifera group. They are often found in fields, gardens, and even inside homes. Most crickets are nocturnal. This means they are active at night. Male crickets "sing" to attract females. They rub their wings together to make chirping sounds. Different cricket species have different songs. Some crickets, like mole crickets, live underground. They have strong front legs for digging.

Katydids and Bush Crickets

A green katydid blending in with leaves.

Katydids are also called bush crickets. They are often green or brown. This helps them blend in with plants. They have long, thin bodies and very long antennae. Katydids are usually found in trees and shrubs. Like crickets, male katydids sing to attract mates. Their songs can sound like "katy-did, katy-didn't." This is how they got their name. Some katydids can even mimic leaves. This helps them hide from predators.

Other Ensifera

The Ensifera group also includes other interesting insects. For example, cave crickets live in dark, damp places. They have very long legs and antennae. These help them feel their way in the dark. Wetas are large, heavy-bodied insects. They are mostly found in New Zealand. Some wetas are among the heaviest insects in the world. Dune crickets live in sandy areas. They have special feet for moving on sand.

Life Cycle and Habitat

Ensifera insects go through incomplete metamorphosis. This means they hatch from eggs as nymphs. Nymphs look like smaller versions of adults. They grow by shedding their skin several times. This process is called molting. Eventually, they become full-grown adults.

These insects live in many different places. You can find them in forests, grasslands, deserts, and even caves. Their diet varies. Many are herbivores, eating plants. Others are omnivores, eating both plants and small insects. Some are even predators, hunting other small creatures.