バッタ

TYPES OF バッタ:

• トノサマバッタ (migratory locust) - largest species in Japan
• ショウリョウバッタ (rice grasshopper) - long, slender body
• オンブバッタ (pygmy grasshopper) - male rides on female's back
• イナゴ (rice locust) - eaten as food in some regions

Vs related insects

• バッタ - general term for grasshoppers/locusts
• イナゴ - specifically rice locusts, also a food
• キリギリス (katydid) - different family, longer antennae
• コオロギ (cricket) - distinct chirping sound

Cultural note: Catching バッタ is a popular summer activity for Japanese children, especially トノサマバッタ. Some regions, particularly 長野県(ながのけん), traditionally eat イナゴ (locusts) as 佃煮(つくだに) (simmered in soy sauce).

Common collocations

• バッタを捕(つか)まえる (to catch a grasshopper)
• バッタが跳(は)ねる (a grasshopper hops)