Australian plague locust

Chortoicetes terminifera

Chortoicetes terminifera, commonly known as the Australian Plague Locust, is a species of locust found in Australia. This insect is a member of the Acrididae family and is known for its ability to undergo phase changes from a solitary form to a gregarious or swarming form. The Australian Plague Locust is a significant agricultural pest, capable of causing extensive damage to crops and pastures when it forms large swarms.

Key Characteristics:

  1. Size and Color: The Australian Plague Locust is a large insect, with adults measuring about 4 to 7 centimeters in length. The coloration varies, but it often includes shades of brown, yellow, and green, providing effective camouflage in different environments.

  2. Phase Polymorphism: One of the distinctive features of Chortoicetes terminifera is its ability to undergo phase changes. In the solitary phase, individuals live independently, while in the gregarious phase, they form large swarms that can devastate crops.

  3. Behavior: The behavior of Australian Plague Locusts can change dramatically depending on environmental conditions. Favorable conditions, such as abundant vegetation and rainfall, can trigger the locusts to transition from the solitary to the gregarious phase.

Life Cycle:

  1. Egg Stage: The female locusts lay their eggs in the soil in clusters, usually in response to favorable conditions.

  2. Nymph Stage: The eggs hatch into nymphs, which go through several instars before reaching maturity. During the solitary phase, nymphs develop independently.

  3. Adult Stage: Adult locusts emerge from the last nymphal instar. In the solitary phase, adults remain relatively solitary and are not prone to forming swarms. However, in the gregarious phase, locusts aggregate into large swarms that can travel long distances in search of food.

Management:

The management of Australian Plague Locusts involves a combination of preventive measures, monitoring, and control strategies:

  1. Monitoring and Early Detection: Regular monitoring of locust populations and early detection of phase changes are crucial for implementing timely control measures.

  2. Chemical Control: Insecticides are often used to control locust swarms. Aerial spraying is a common method for treating large areas.

  3. Biological Control: Natural enemies of locusts, such as predators, parasites, and pathogens, can contribute to population control. Biological control methods are often environmentally friendly.

  4. Cultural Practices: Farmers may implement practices such as crop rotation and maintaining field borders to create less favorable conditions for locusts.

  5. Early Instar Control: Targeting locusts in the early nymphal stages when they are still in the hopper stage can be effective in preventing the formation of swarms.