Animal Profiles
Insects

Locust

Acrididae

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Locusts are grasshoppers capable of forming dense migrating groups. This account describes the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria), whose behaviour changes with population conditions.

Schistocerca gregaria, the representative described in this account.

Schistocerca gregaria, the representative described in this account.

Joachim Frische · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Desert locusts occupy dry regions of Africa and southwestern Asia between outbreaks.
Habitat
Desert, Grassland
Diet
Herbivore
Food
Vegetation provides food.

Classification

Common name
Locust
Browse group
Insects
Scientific name or taxon
Acrididae
Taxon rank
family
Order
Orthoptera
Family
Acrididae
Source classification
Insecta

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • It is a grasshopper.
  • Crowded juveniles can form bands.
  • Adults can gather into migrating swarms.

Habitat and range

Desert locusts occupy dry regions of Africa and southwestern Asia between outbreaks. Rainfall, fresh vegetation and suitable sandy soil influence where breeding succeeds.

Appearance and adaptations

Long hind legs support jumping, and adults have wings for sustained movement. Colour and behaviour differ between solitary and crowded phases.

Diet and behaviour

Vegetation provides food. Under suitable crowded conditions, juveniles form marching bands and adults gather into swarms. Their movements depend strongly on weather and the distribution of growing plants.

Sources

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