Specifically refers to grasshoppers of the genus Oxya, often found in rice paddies. In everyday use, イナゴ commonly covers this meaning.
grasshopper; locust (family Catantopidae)
Broader use for grasshoppers and locusts, especially those in the family Catantopidae. In common usage, イナゴ often refers to any medium-sized grasshopper.
Rice grasshoppers are sometimes considered pests that eat rice leaves.
In autumn, many grasshoppers can be seen in the rice paddies.
Grasshopper tsukudani has been eaten since old times.
Katakana spelling is common; usually written in kana.
Hiragana spelling is also common; the word is typically written in kana.
Single-kanji spelling; also has the rare reading こう.
Kanji spelling, rarely used in modern writing.
The origin is uncertain. The kanji 稲子 literally means 'rice child', reflecting its habitat. The reading いなご is likely a native Japanese word.