A mainly nocturnal insect in which the hind legs are greatly enlarged and adapted for jumping. Most true crickets (family Gryllidae) are able to fly, with tough, box-like forewings and membranous hindwings. Many communicate by rubbing the forewings together (stridulation). They inhabit a wide variety of habitats, and some species are pests in pasture. There are about 2000 species distributed worldwide at latitudes below about 55°, but especially in the tropics.