Of all plant pests, the most dangerous is the locust. If at your dacha there are corners with unharvested field grasses, you can always find a green filly there - a single locust, which over time will ensure the appearance of a winged form of locust. In 2000, an epiphytotic outbreak of locusts left the crops without crops. Volgograd region(1000-6000 individuals per sq. m. area). In 2010, the pest reached the Urals and some regions of Siberia. The flight of locusts is terrible. Its flocks can number billions of individuals. When flying, they emit a characteristic sound that is frighteningly creaking up close and reminiscent of pre-storm thunder in the distance. After the locusts, bare earth remains.
Spread of locusts
Family true locusts (Acrididae) includes up to 10,000 species, of which about 400 are distributed in the European-Asian area, including the Russian Federation (Central Asia, Kazakhstan, southern Western Siberia, the Caucasus, southern European part). Of the locusts, the most widespread and harmful for the Russian Federation is Asian locust or migratory locust (Locusta migratoria). There are two life phases: solitary and gregarious. The gregarious form of locusts is harmful. Representatives of the solitary phase occupy mainly the northern regions of the noted range, while the gregarious ones occupy the southern and warm Asian regions.
Locust severity level
An omnivorous pest, with the greatest feeding activity in the early morning and evening hours, when there is no peak heat. One individual eats up to 500 g of plants with different densities of vegetative and generative organs (leaves, flowers, young branches, stems, fruits). Covers distances of up to 50 km per day. With a gap of 10-15 years, locusts form huge swarms (bands) of adults from united clusters of larvae. During the period of mass reproduction, they are able to simultaneously occupy up to 2000 hectares and fly, feeding on the way, up to 300, and with a fair wind, up to 1000 km, leaving bare ground with separately protruding remains of woody shoots and plant stems.
Under natural conditions, the number of pests decreases over time (the onset of cold, hunger, the work of natural entomophages). The number of diseases affecting the pest in different phases of development, starting from the egg phase, is increasing in the swamps. Recovery continues for 10-15 years and then the mass flight is repeated.
Morphological description of locusts
By appearance Locusts resemble grasshoppers and crickets. Visible distinctive feature is the length of the antennae (in locusts they are much shorter) and the presence of a curved sharp keel on the pronotum, powerful jaws. The front wings are dense with brownish-brownish spots, the hind wings are delicate transparent with a yellowish and sometimes greenish tint.
Locust development cycle
Lifespan adult from 8 months to 2 years. Locusts live and develop in two phases/stages – solitary and gregarious.
Single phase
The solitary locust is distinguished by the overall size of its forms and has green color, for which it received the name “green filly”. She leads a sedentary lifestyle and does virtually no harm. A single life phase for locusts is necessary to maintain the population. During this period, females intensively lay eggs. Gradually, the density of larvae increases and reaches a limit, which serves as a signal for the transition to the second stage of development and life.
Herd phase
In the gregarious phase, female locusts begin to lay eggs, programmed for a migratory program of foraging. Researchers suggest that the “bell” is a lack of protein in the food of adults. Adult locust adults gather in swarms, and the larvae form dense swarms.
Locust breeding
Locusts usually die at the end of October with the onset of persistent cold. Before the onset of cold weather, the female lays eggs, forming eggs in the upper 10 cm layer of soil. winter quarters, which are called egg pods. During the period of laying eggs, the female locust secretes a foamy liquid from the reproductive glands, which quickly hardens, separating the eggs from the surrounding soil. As the female lays eggs, she forms several capsules (pods) with a lid, inside which she places 50-100 eggs, for a total of up to 300 or more. During winter diapause, eggs become cold-resistant and do not freeze out even in severe winters. With the onset of warmth, the winter pause ends in the spring when the soil has sufficiently warmed up. top layer A white larva emerges from the egg. On the surface of the soil, after a few hours it darkens, acquires an adult-like appearance (without wings) and begins to feed. Over the course of 1.0-1.5 months, the larva goes through 5 instars and turns into an adult locust. Another month of increased feeding and after mating, the female locust begins to lay eggs. Behind warm period Each female forms 1-3 generations.
According to their lifestyle, locusts are gregarious species. In years with sufficient food, a moderately humid climate and average temperatures, single individuals do not cause great harm. But we need to take into account the cyclical nature of development and the transition from a solitary lifestyle to a gregarious one. It appears after about 4 years. During this period, especially when coinciding with hot, dry in summer within 2–3 years, the locusts multiply intensively, forming huge accumulations of larvae on small area(kulig). Outbreaks of mass reproduction coinciding with weather conditions, can last for several years, gradually fading and moving again to a solitary form of life. The interval between epiphytoties is on average 10-12 years.
Individuals of the gregarious form, trying to maintain the protein and water balance of their body, are forced to eat without breaks (otherwise they will die from their lack in the body). Moving in search of fresh food, they travel, as already noted, from 50 to 300 km per day. One individual is capable of eating 200-500 g of green mass of plants and similar neighbors in the swarm. Protein deficiency turns the locust into a predator, and the flock is divided into two groups. One runs away from its relatives, the other catches up with them and eats them, and both “along the road of life” are supported by plants rich in carbohydrates. The natural gradual decline in the number of the pest is caused by outbreaks of diseases in swarms of locusts at their high density, damage to eggs in egg capsules by various diseases, and natural enemies of locusts (predatory insects, birds and other representatives of fauna).
Consequently, the most vulnerable point in the development of locusts is the increased density of egg deposition and the birth of larvae (per unit area). Swarms of locusts begin their migrations at an increased density of pests. This means that it is necessary to initially destroy clutches of eggs and “islands” of larvae, plowing the land to reduce the density of pests. On summer cottages The main role of reducing populations is based on comprehensive pest control measures: agrotechnical measures + chemical treatment of soil and plants.
Locust control methods
Given the speed of movement, gluttony and complete destruction of green plants along the route of the swarm of locusts, chemical control measures are used to destroy them, especially over large areas.
In a country house or local area, the fight against locusts is mainly preventive and proactive and begins with agrotechnical measures, the thoroughness and timely implementation of which helps to significantly reduce the number of pests and prevent epiphytotic damage to the green world of plants.
Agrotechnical measures
In areas prone to locust attacks, late digging of dacha or adjoining plot, in which the egg capsules of locusts are destroyed.
When conducting alternative Agriculture it is necessary to tinn unused areas, which prevents the formation of egg capsules and the laying of eggs by female locusts.
Chemical control measures
All treatments chemicals It's best to do it in the morning. Take precautions when working personal safety, work in an appropriate suit, respirator, glasses, gloves. Working with chemicals must be strictly followed methodological instructions dilution and use of pesticides.
If there is a large accumulation of locust larvae in certain areas, it is treated with Decis-extra, Karate, Confidor, Image, the validity of which lasts up to 30 days. Can be treated with all drugs that are used to combat the Colorado potato beetle.
The systemic insecticide Clotiamet-VDG provides plant protection against locusts for up to 3 weeks. After 2 hours, all pests die, and the number of live hatched larvae decreases noticeably. The drug can be used in a tank mixture with fertilizers and growth stimulants, subject to mandatory compatibility testing.
Insecticide Gladiator-KE effectively removes larvae and adult locusts. Used in early hours when adults are in torpor. Doses of the drug vary depending on the age of the locust.
Damilin is an insecticide with a unique effect on the growth of the pest and the formation of chitin in the body of the larvae during molting. As a result, the larvae die before reaching the age of the adult pest. Valid for up to 40 days. The drug is low-toxic for humans and warm-blooded animals, and quickly decomposes in water and soil.
Video review: giant locusts from Central America:
Locust diet
- Reed and reed thickets on the banks of rivers, ponds, lakes, swamps;
- Any cereal crops- wheat, oats, corn, rye, barley, millet, sorghum and others;
REFERENCE: Less popular: flax, buckwheat, hemp.
- Vegetable crops - legumes, beans, soybeans, table and sugar beets, potatoes and others;
- Fruit orchards. The pest eats leaves and fruits of plums, cherries, peaches, and pears. They also gnaw the bark of young trees;
- Grape plantings. They feed on berries, petioles, grape leaves;
- Cabbage, melons - pumpkins, melons, watermelons, sunflowers;
- Individually growing trees, shrubs, grass, as well as entire forest areas.
How does the oral apparatus work?
Locusts have chewing mouthparts designed to consume solid food. This type is the original one, from which other forms of the structure of the oral apparatus in other insects originate. The gnawing apparatus consists of the most complete set of elements:
- Upper and lower lips;
- Of two pairs of upper and lower jaws.
Mouthparts of insects:
The upper lip helps the insect determine whether the item being eaten is suitable for consumption. The upper jaws move horizontally, gnawing off a small piece and grinding it into smaller pieces. With the help of strong movable lower jaws, crushed food is pushed into the esophagus.
The upper and lower jaws are not only intended for feeding; insects use them to protect themselves during a fight with an enemy.
Do locusts bite?
Locusts are often confused with grasshoppers.
However, despite the external similarity, they have significant differences:
- The grasshopper has longer antennae, which help in finding prey (the locust has shorter antennae);
- The grasshopper mainly night activity(locusts are diurnal);
- The grasshopper is a predator that can bite a person quite painfully, even before blood appears, and injects a burning composition into the wound.
The mouthparts of this pest do not have teeth, since it is a herbivore and not a predator. Locusts never specifically attack people or try to harm them. However, their jaws have quite a lot of strength, allowing them to quickly bite off pieces of hard plants. When the instinct of self-preservation is triggered, locusts are able to tangibly “pinch” human skin. After this, it is necessary to treat the bitten area using hydrogen peroxide or iodine.
REFERENCE: The pest cannot sting because it does not have a sting.
Locusts are a great disaster for all gardeners and gardeners. Pests fly in huge flocks, they have a rapid reproduction process, and they destroy any vegetation available to them. They devour not only agricultural crops, but also trees, shrubs, reed and straw roofs, and wooden furniture. Locusts have gnawing mouthparts that are designed to bite off and grind solid food. The absence of teeth and stings prevents it from biting and stinging.
Of all plant pests, the most dangerous is the locust. If at your dacha there are corners with unharvested field grasses, you can always find a green filly there - a single locust, which over time will ensure the appearance of a winged form of locust. In 2000, an epiphytotic outbreak of locust breeding left the Volgograd region without crops (1000-6000 individuals per sq. m. area). In 2010, the pest reached the Urals and some regions of Siberia. The flight of locusts is terrible. Its flocks can number billions of individuals. When flying, they emit a characteristic sound that is frighteningly creaking up close and reminiscent of pre-storm thunder in the distance. After the locusts, bare earth remains.
Migratory locust, or Asian locust (Locusta migratoria). © Ralf
Spread of locusts
Family true locusts (Acrididae) includes up to 10,000 species, of which about 400 are distributed in the European-Asian area, including the Russian Federation (Central Asia, Kazakhstan, southern Western Siberia, the Caucasus, southern European part). Of the locusts, the most widespread and harmful for the Russian Federation is Asian locust or migratory locust (Locusta migratoria). There are two life phases: solitary and gregarious. The gregarious form of locusts is harmful. Representatives of the solitary phase occupy mainly the northern regions of the noted range, while the gregarious ones occupy the southern and warm Asian regions.
Locust severity level
An omnivorous pest, with the greatest feeding activity in the early morning and evening hours, when there is no peak heat. One individual eats up to 500 g of plants with different densities of vegetative and generative organs (leaves, flowers, young branches, stems, fruits). Covers distances of up to 50 km per day. With a gap of 10-15 years, locusts form huge swarms (bands) of adults from united clusters of larvae. During the period of mass reproduction, they are able to simultaneously occupy up to 2000 hectares and fly, feeding on the way, up to 300, and with a fair wind, up to 1000 km, leaving bare ground with separately protruding remains of woody shoots and plant stems.
Under natural conditions, the number of pests decreases over time (the onset of cold, hunger, the work of natural entomophages). The number of diseases affecting the pest in different phases of development, starting from the egg phase, is increasing in the swamps. Recovery continues for 10-15 years and then the mass flight is repeated.
Morphological description of locusts
In appearance, locusts resemble grasshoppers and crickets. A visible distinguishing feature is the length of the antennae (in locusts they are much shorter) and the presence of a curved sharp keel on the pronotum and powerful jaws. The front wings are dense with brownish-brownish spots, the hind wings are delicate transparent with a yellowish and sometimes greenish tint.
Locust development cycle
The lifespan of an adult is from 8 months to 2 years. Locusts live and develop in two phases/stages – solitary and gregarious.
Single phase
The solitary locust is distinguished by the overall size of its forms and has a green color, for which it received the name “green filly”. She leads a sedentary lifestyle and does virtually no harm. A single life phase for locusts is necessary to maintain the population. During this period, females intensively lay eggs. Gradually, the density of larvae increases and reaches a limit, which serves as a signal for the transition to the second stage of development and life.
Herd phase
In the gregarious phase, female locusts begin to lay eggs, programmed for a migratory program of foraging. Researchers suggest that the “bell” is a lack of protein in the food of adults. Adult locust adults gather in swarms, and the larvae form dense swarms.
Migratory locust, or Asian locust (Locusta migratoria). © Laurent Schwebel 
Migratory locusts lay eggs. © J.P Oliveira Locust breeding
Locusts usually die at the end of October with the onset of persistent cold. Before the onset of cold weather, the female lays eggs, forming winter apartments called egg capsules in the upper 10 cm layer of soil. During the period of laying eggs, the female locust secretes a foamy liquid from the reproductive glands, which quickly hardens, separating the eggs from the surrounding soil. As the female lays eggs, she forms several capsules (pods) with a lid, inside which she places 50-100 eggs, for a total of up to 300 or more. During winter diapause, eggs become cold-resistant and do not freeze out even in severe winters. With the onset of warmth, the winter pause ends and in the spring, when the soil warms up sufficiently, a white larva appears from the egg in the upper layer. On the surface of the soil, after a few hours it darkens, acquires an adult-like appearance (without wings) and begins to feed. Over the course of 1.0-1.5 months, the larva goes through 5 instars and turns into an adult locust. Another month of increased feeding and after mating, the female locust begins to lay eggs. During the warm period, each female forms 1-3 generations.
According to their lifestyle, locusts are gregarious species. In years with sufficient food, a moderately humid climate and average temperatures, single individuals do not cause great harm. But we need to take into account the cyclical nature of development and the transition from a solitary lifestyle to a gregarious one. It appears after about 4 years. During this period, especially when coinciding with a hot, dry summer period for 2-3 years, the locusts multiply intensively, forming huge accumulations of larvae in a small area (sweeping pads). Outbreaks of mass reproduction, coinciding with weather conditions, can last for several years, gradually fading and moving back to a solitary form of life. The interval between epiphytoties is on average 10-12 years.
Individuals of the gregarious form, trying to maintain the protein and water balance of their body, are forced to eat without breaks (otherwise they will die from their lack in the body). Moving in search of fresh food, they travel, as already noted, from 50 to 300 km per day. One individual is capable of eating 200-500 g of green mass of plants and similar neighbors in the swarm. Protein deficiency turns the locust into a predator, and the flock is divided into two groups. One runs away from its relatives, the other catches up with them and eats them, and both “along the road of life” are supported by plants rich in carbohydrates. The natural gradual decline in the number of the pest is caused by outbreaks of diseases in swarms of locusts at their high density, damage to eggs in egg capsules by various diseases, and natural enemies of locusts (predatory insects, birds and other representatives of fauna).
Consequently, the most vulnerable point in the development of locusts is the increased density of egg deposition and the birth of larvae (per unit area). Swarms of locusts begin their migrations at an increased density of pests. This means that it is necessary to initially destroy clutches of eggs and “islands” of larvae, plowing the land to reduce the density of pests. In summer cottages, the main role of population reduction is based on comprehensive pest control measures: agrotechnical measures + chemical treatment of soil and plants.
Locust control methods
Given the speed of movement, gluttony and complete destruction of green plants along the route of the swarm of locusts, chemical control measures are used to destroy them, especially over large areas.
In a country house or local area, the fight against locusts is mainly preventive and proactive and begins with agrotechnical measures, the thoroughness and timely implementation of which helps to significantly reduce the number of pests and prevent epiphytotic damage to the green world of plants.
Migratory locust, or Asian locust (Locusta migratoria). © David Dexter Agrotechnical measures
In areas prone to locust attacks, late digging of the dacha or house area is necessary, during which the egg capsules with locust eggs are destroyed.
When conducting alternative agriculture, it is necessary to tinn unused areas, which prevents the formation of egg capsules and the laying of eggs by female locusts.
Chemical control measures
It is better to carry out all chemical treatments in the morning. When working, observe personal safety measures, work in an appropriate suit, respirator, goggles, and gloves. When working with chemicals, it is necessary to strictly follow the guidelines for the dilution and use of pesticides.
If there is a large accumulation of locust larvae in certain areas, it is treated with Decis-extra, Karate, Confidor, Image, the validity of which lasts up to 30 days. Can be treated with all drugs that are used to combat the Colorado potato beetle.
The systemic insecticide Clotiamet-VDG provides plant protection against locusts for up to 3 weeks. After 2 hours, all pests die, and the number of live hatched larvae decreases noticeably. The drug can be used in a tank mixture with fertilizers and growth stimulants, subject to mandatory compatibility testing.
Insecticide Gladiator-KE effectively removes larvae and adult locusts. Used in the early hours, when adults are in a daze. Doses of the drug vary depending on the age of the locust.
Damilin is an insecticide with a unique effect on the growth of the pest and the formation of chitin in the body of the larvae during molting. As a result, the larvae die before reaching the age of the adult pest. Valid for up to 40 days. The drug is low-toxic for humans and warm-blooded animals, and quickly decomposes in water and soil.
Locusts and locusts are several species of insects of the true locust family, capable of forming large swarms (numbering up to hundreds of millions of individuals) migrating over considerable distances. A feature of locust biology is the presence of two phases - solitary and gregarious, differing in morphology and behavioral characteristics.
Locusts in the distant past were humanity's enemy No. 1, but modern people little has been heard about her. Meanwhile, it is described in ancient Egyptian papyri, the Bible, the Koran, the works of the Middle Ages, fiction XIX century. It's time to learn more about the insect, whose name in past centuries served as the personification of a humanitarian catastrophe.
Habitat
Different types of locusts have adapted to life in certain regions. It appeared in Russia a long time ago, sometimes destroying entire fields. Most common in the southern regions.
It is found in Africa, has reached Europe, and lives in the Sahara Desert and the steppes of Kazakhstan. She is not afraid of the cold of Siberia or the humid climate of New Zealand. Habitats are often warm steppes. Doesn't like the Arctic at all.
Description
Locust sizes vary from 3 to 7 cm. Females are larger than males. The body is oblong, attached to it are rigid elytra and a pair of translucent wings, which remain invisible when folded.
The color is very variable and depends on the age, conditions and lifestyle that the locust leads:
- Even individuals emerging from the same oviposition may differ in coloring.
- What a locust looks like is also determined by the phase of its development.
- In the European zone, single individuals are predominantly yellow, brick, green, olive, brown in color, which helps to camouflage against the background of the surrounding vegetation.
- The older the individual, the darker its color becomes.
- If the locust joins the swarm, it acquires the same color as the rest of the team members.
The large head is not particularly mobile. Large crescent-shaped eyes and a rectangular, almost square muzzle of the locust give the insect a good-natured appearance. The gnawing mouthparts are represented by powerful jaws that help gnaw through even the thickest and most durable stems. The insect gnaws leaves with its upper mandibles, and only then crushes them using its lower mandibles.
A distinctive feature of locusts from their closest relatives: crickets and grasshoppers is their short whiskers, their length does not exceed half the body.
The pinkish hind legs are well developed, which allows the locust to jump at a distance of 20 times its length. It is no coincidence that insects are endowed with jumping abilities. In the larval stage, they still cannot fly and their motor capabilities are limited to crawling and jumping. Some species do not exhibit flight activity even as adults.
How long locusts live depends on conditions environment. Rainy seasons provoke the development of fungal plant diseases, which leads to insect infection and death. Natural enemies: wild wasps, beetles, birds can also shorten life expectancy. Humans also make their contribution by destroying pests. If the locusts are in optimal conditions and did not become anyone’s victim, then it can live from 8 months to 2 years, depending on the species.
All types of locusts produce a characteristic “chirping” sound. This peculiar “singing” of insects brings to mind for many people the image of a flowering meadow on a hot summer day. The sound apparatus of locusts is located on the thighs of the hind legs and elytra. Along inner surface the thighs have tubercles, and one of the veins of the elytra is thicker than the others. Locusts make sounds by quickly moving their hips, with the tubercles touching the vein. Because the tubercles are uneven, the result is a staccato chirping sound. In most locust species, both males and females chirp.
What do locusts eat?
Locusts usually live on the leaves and flowers of green plants. They use their strong upper mandibles to gnaw leaves, and use their smaller, weaker mandibles to crush them.
Since the locusts' mandibles move from side to side, the insects usually sit in the center of the leaf, on its longitudinal axis, and gnaw the leaf from edge to edge. Only a few species of true locusts feed exclusively on grass. Leaves serve as food for most locust species. perennial plants, bushes and trees. Some species of locusts can even feed poisonous plants that other insects and animals do not eat.
Concentrating in their body, the poison provides insects with protection from enemies, since they themselves become poisonous. These locusts have bright colors, which warns of their inedibility.
Life cycle and reproduction
Many people are interested in where green locusts come from in huge numbers? The female is capable of laying hundreds of eggs, which will produce many larvae. Its reproduction and residence are unusual, as are the stages of locust development, which is worth noting in the description.
When living alone, the green filly is inactive. It's practically harmless. In autumn it lays eggs in a special hole in the soil. During the winter they remain in the ground, and in the spring young white individuals appear.
The filly larva needs food, so they begin to feed heavily. With rapid development, changes occur: they turn into imagoes, change color.
Anticipating a dry year, poor in food, changes occur in the female’s reproduction. Locust eggs are initially programmed to search for food in hiking conditions. Adult adults form flocks, while larvae form numerous swarms.
Mating precedes the reproductive stage. The male attracts females to his society by secreting a special hormone. As soon as the female approaches, he jumps on her back and clings tightly. A spermatophore is released into the base of the clutch. This is how the locusts begin breeding.
An insect goes through mandatory stages of development. The female lays eggs, first preparing the egg capsules. There are up to 100 eggs in one capsule. In winter they do not freeze out because the insect envelops them with a special foamy liquid for preservation. In the spring, a larva emerges from each egg laid. Its development continues intensively. After a month, an imago-like individual without wings is formed. Over the course of a month and a half, the emerging larvae transform 5 times until they turn into adult locusts. During the summer months, three generations of young animals can be produced.
The benefits and harms of locusts
The greatest damage is caused by swarms of locusts that destroy fields and plantings. However, the average person, who does not care about the safety of the crop, is more interested in the answer to the question of whether locusts bite. The insect eats exclusively plant food and does not bite humans, unlike its fellow grasshopper.
An equally pressing question is whether locusts are eaten. Orthoptera are the most commonly consumed insects after ants. In African countries they fry it and mix it into flat cakes. Arab women several centuries ago could prepare 2 dozen dishes from locusts. Cooking recipes have lost their relevance due to a shortage of ingredients.
In California, during locust outbreaks, entire feasts were held. The captured insects were soaked in a marinade, then crushed and prepared into soups. The Japanese marinate in soy sauce and fried. In a word, there are many recipes for cooking locusts, but not everyone can appreciate its taste, not so much because of inaccessibility, but because of disgust.
Pest control
Agrotechnical measures
As a preventative measure against locusts (in those areas where there is a high probability of a massive invasion of harmful insects), it is necessary to carry out thorough and deep cultivation (ploughing) of the soil, which destroys capsules with eggs.
Chemical methods of control
Effectively protecting plantings in the face of unprecedented gluttony and mass numbers of locusts is possible only with the use of chemical methods plant protection.
If there is a mass concentration of locust larvae in one area, use pesticides with a validity period of at least thirty days. To treat and kill insects, they take such preparations as “Karate”, “Confidor”, “Image”, but it is possible efficient use poisons to combat the Colorado potato beetle.
A good result is shown by the systemic drug “Clotiamet VDG”, which provides reliable protection against locusts for three weeks. This poison is good because it can be effectively used in a tank mixture with other microfertilizers, protective agents and plant growth stimulants, but it is necessary to first test for compatibility with other chemicals.
Preparations such as “Gladiator” and “Damilin” effectively destroy locusts (both larvae and adult insects). The insecticide "Damilin" has a negative effect on the larvae, slowing down their development and disrupting the timing of the formation of the chitinous body shell, as a result of which the insects die. The big advantage of the drug is its low toxicity.
- The first chronicle mention of a locust invasion of Rus' dates back to 1008, which resulted in famine. The invasion was repeated in 1094, 1095, 1103 and 1195. Similar misfortunes were repeated in the 16th–17th centuries. In 1824, an invasion of locusts was observed in the south of modern Ukraine, in the Kherson, Yekaterinoslav and Tauride provinces, and A. S. Pushkin was sent to fight it. He wrote a short report:
- The largest locust invasion in human history occurred in the United States in 1875. A swarm of locusts from the state of Texas spread to the west, but after some time, having caused colossal devastation, disappeared as suddenly as it appeared.
- Currently, vast areas of crops across the Earth are suffering from locust infestations, especially in Africa.
- Locusts are found almost everywhere, except in the coldest areas.
- The body length of the locust ranges from 1 cm in the meadow locust to 6 cm in the migratory locust. The largest individuals can reach 20 cm in length.
- Locusts differ from grasshoppers and crickets in the length of their antennae: they are shorter.
- Every day, one individual locust eats an amount of plant food equal to its own weight.
- There are swarms of locusts numbering several billion individuals. They form “flying clouds” or “clouds”, the area of which can reach 1000 km 2.
- When the locust's wings rub against each other, a characteristic creaking sound is heard. The noise produced by a flock of several million insects in flight can be mistaken for thunder.
- Sound production in locusts is carried out by rubbing the hind leg with special tubercles on the elytra.
- Locusts live from 8 months to 2 years.
Types of locusts
Moroccan locust
Insect small size, body length rarely exceeds 2 cm. The color of adult individuals is reddish-brown, with small dark spots scattered over the body and an unusual light-colored cross-shaped pattern on the back. The hindquarters are pink or yellow on the thighs and red on the lower legs. Despite their miniature size, the Moroccan locust causes enormous damage to farmland and crops cultivated plants, gathering in numerous hordes and destroying in their path absolutely everything that grows on the earth. Lives this type locusts in Africa Central Asia and Algeria, in sultry Egypt, in arid Libya and Morocco. It is found in European countries, for example, in France, Portugal, Spain, Italy and even in the Balkans.
Migratory (Asian) locust
Quite a large insect: the body length of mature males is from 3.5 to 5 cm, in females it ranges from 4-6 cm. The color of the Asian locust varies several color solutions: there are individuals of bright green, brownish, yellow-green or gray. The wings are almost colorless, except for a slightly pronounced smoky tint and the finest black veins. The thighs of the hind legs are dark brown or blue-black, the lower legs may be beige, reddish or yellow. The habitat of this type of locust covers the entire territory of Europe, Asia Minor and Central Asia, the countries of North Africa, the region of Northern China and Korea. The Asian locust also lives in the south of Russia, is found in the Caucasus, in the mountains of Kazakhstan, and in the south of Western Siberia.
Desert Locust
An insect with a fairly large size - females reach a size of 8 cm, males are slightly smaller - 6 cm in length. The color of the desert locust is dirty yellow, the wings are brown, with many veins. The hind limbs are bright yellow. This type of locust prefers to live in the tropics and subtropics: it is found in North Africa, in Arabian Peninsula, on the territory of Hindustan and the border regions of the Sahara.
Italian locust or Prus Italianus
The body of an adult locust of this species is medium in size: in males, the body length varies from 1.4 to 2.8 cm, females can reach 4 cm in length. The wings are powerful, highly developed, with sparse veins. The colors of individuals are multifaceted: brick-red, brown, brown, sometimes pale pink tones predominate in the color. Light longitudinal stripes and whitish spots are often visible on the main background. The hind wings and thighs of the hind limbs are pinkish, the lower legs are red or whitish, with transverse stripes of black or dark brown. The habitat of the Italian locust covers almost the entire Mediterranean zone and a significant part of Western Asia. The Italian locust lives in central Europe and Western Siberia, and lives in Altai, Iran and Afghanistan.
Rainbow Locust
A species of locust that lives on the island of Madagascar. Incredibly bright in color and very poisonous, the rainbow locust reaches a size of 7 cm. The entire body of the insect shimmers with the most different colors– from bright yellow to purple, blue and red, and saturated with toxins. They are produced due to the fact that locusts feed exclusively on poisonous plants. Typically, large populations of this species of locust are found in the foliage of trees or in thickets of milkweed, the juice of which is a favorite delicacy of the rainbow locust.
Siberian filly
The insect is brown-brown, olive or gray-green in color. The size of an adult female does not exceed 2.5 cm, males are rarely larger than 2.3 cm. The habitat is very wide: the Siberian filly lives in the mountainous areas of Central Asia and the Caucasus, is found in Mongolia and northeast China, and feels comfortable in northern regions of Russia, in particular in Siberia and northern Kazakhstan. The insect causes widespread damage to grain crops, pastures and hayfields.
Egyptian filly
One of the largest locust species found in Europe. Females grow up to 6.5-7 cm in length, males are somewhat more modest in size - 30-55 mm. The color of the insect can be gray, light brown or greenish-olive. Hind legs of blue color, and the thighs are bright orange, with distinctive black markings. The eyes of the Egyptian filly always have pronounced black and white stripes. This type of locust lives in the Middle East, in European countries, in North Africa.
Blue-winged filly
Locusts are medium-sized: the length of an adult female is 2.2-2.8 cm, the male is slightly smaller - 1.5-2.1 cm in length. The filly's wings are very spectacular - bright blue at the base, becoming colorless towards the top. Along the surface of the graceful wings runs beautiful drawing, consisting of the thinnest radial stripes of black color. The tibiae of the hind limbs are bluish in color and covered with light spines. The blue-winged filly is widespread in the steppe and forest-steppe regions of Eurasia, lives in the Caucasus and Central Asia, and is found in Western Siberia and China.
The locust is a fairly large insect from the class of Orthoptera. For a long time, it has represented the main threat to cultivated crops.
Descriptions of locusts can be found in such ancient writings as the Bible, the works of ancient egypt, Koran and so on.
Description of the insect
The body of the locust is elongated, the length can reach 20 centimeters. The “knees” of the hind legs are bent, their size is several times larger than the size of the middle and front legs.
There are a pair of hard wing covers, under which are fragile wings with original patterns. When folded, they are quite difficult to notice.
The antennae of locusts are somewhat shorter than, for example, those of crickets, and the head is larger and the eyes are larger. The insect makes a characteristic sound characteristic of males.
The surface of the males' thighs is slightly jagged, and some thickening can be seen on the thighs. During friction, these parts emit a specific sound, which can be of any tone.
Many people believe that the color of a locust depends on its genotype. But actually it is not. The color of an insect has a direct relationship with environmental conditions.
Even individuals belonging to the same offspring, but living in different places, may differ in color.
Another factor influencing coloration is the developmental phase. A younger individual is green in color, and an individual that has entered the gregarious phase acquires the traditional color.
Locusts have the ability to fly; they can travel up to 120 kilometers per day.
The difference between a locust and a grasshopper
The main difference between grasshoppers and locusts is that they belong to different families and suborders. Unlike locusts, the grasshopper belongs to the long-whiskered suborder.
The structure of the paws also differs. The locust's are shorter than the grasshopper's.
Despite their big sizes, locusts are herbivorous insects, while grasshoppers are predators.
Locusts are active during the day, while grasshoppers are active at night.
For agriculture, grasshoppers are harmless, but locusts often cause colossal harm and huge losses.
These insects also differ in the way they lay eggs. Locusts lay eggs in the soil, and grasshoppers use plant stems for their offspring or lay eggs under the bark of trees.
Locust habitat
Locusts live on almost every continent, with the only exception being Antarctica. Many climate zones are suitable for this insect.
Some species typically live in grassy areas, others prefer to settle in close proximity to water, while others choose semi-deserts as their habitat.
Nutrition
Those individuals that live separately are not known for their gluttony. Over the course of its entire life, one locust can consume up to 300 grams of plants. However, when she gets into a pack, her behavior changes dramatically.
A locust invasion causes enormous harm, since, having met its relatives, the insect becomes omnivorous and begins to absorb everything it sees: reeds, reeds, fruits, grain crops, and so on.
Long flights and lack of food force the locusts to feed on their weaker relatives.
Development and reproduction
During their life, locusts go through three stages of development. 1. Egg; 2. Larva; 3. Adult. How hotter climate, the more often mating occurs, and, consequently, reproduction.
IN autumn period Eggs are laid, which are kept in a special bag that protects them from damage. One such pouch can hide more than 100 eggs.
After laying eggs, the parents usually die. The eggs remain in the soil all winter and mature.
With the onset of spring, the baby locusts hatch, but they do not yet look like adults; they do not have wings.
It takes 40 days and several molts for locusts to move to the next stage.
One flock can contain more than one billion individuals, and the area that the flock occupies reaches 1000 square kilometers. Such a number of insects can produce a sound similar to thunder.
Currently, there are a huge number of locust species, photos of which you can see below.
Photo of locusts
