See text Elcanidae are an extinct family of Mesozoic and early Cenozoic orthopterans.

Members of the family are distinguished by the presence of spurs on the distal part of the metatibia, unique among orthopterans, these have been suggested to have been used for controlling gliding,[1] swimming aids,[2] or for jumping on water.

[3] The group combines characteristics from both major groups of orthopterans, with long antennae and nymphal morphology similar to Ensifera, but with wing venation and adult morphology more similar to Caelifera.

[4] Elcanidae is part of Elcanoidea, which is thought to have diverged from living orthopterans by the beginning of the Permian, around 300 million years ago.

[4] Elcanids are known from the Late Triassic to Paleocene of Eurasia, North and South America.