They are generally more colorful than crickets in this area, most of which are dark brown. They have wings along their sides that meet at the top and are separate at the bottom, like a roof. If you want to catch them, try early in the morning. Put them in a glass jar or plastic container with a little soil in the bottom and some green plants. Make sure the container has air holes, and keep it someplace that s not too hot.
Warm weather increases the number of grasshoppers that reach maturity.
When there are so many, they can eat peoples gardens and crops in farmers fields. Some people call the brown stuff tobacco juice. At night, they tend to gather in lighted areas, such as parking lots. Many in are chocolate brown. Include green plants and soil.