noun
Specifically refers to grasshoppers of the genus Oxya, often found in rice paddies. In everyday use, イナゴ commonly covers this meaning.
イナゴは稲の葉を食べる害虫とされることもある。
Rice grasshoppers are sometimes considered pests that eat rice leaves.
noun
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.
秋になるとイナゴが田んぼでたくさん見られる。
In autumn, many grasshoppers can be seen in the rice paddies.
イナゴの佃煮は昔から食べられている。
Grasshopper tsukudani has been eaten since old times.
Single-kanji spelling; also has the rare reading こう.
Kanji spelling, rarely used in modern writing.
バッタ is a general term for grasshoppers and locusts, while イナゴ often implies the rice grasshopper or locust specifically, and is more associated with rice paddies and traditional food.
キリギリス refers to katydids or bush crickets, which are different from grasshoppers; イナゴ is a grasshopper/locust.
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.