They have large conspicuous eyes. Young live in the water while adults are common around ponds, lakes, and streams. Orthoptera generally have two pairs of wings. The front pair is usually slender and the hind pair is broad and fan-like. Mouthparts are formed for chewing.
Nymphs resemble the adults.
Adults in several groups in this order never develop wings. Blattaria are adapted to running and moving rapidly. They have flattened bodies and their head is concealed from above their pronotum. They have two pair of wings, but in some species the wings are greatly reduced. Their front legs are greatly modified for grasping prey.