Locusts: Introduction Locusts are a species of

Introduction Locusts are a species of insects that fall under the family Acrididae and the order Orthoptera. Locusts are found all over the world and look very similar to grasshopper insects. Very often the locusts are mistaken for grasshoppers. The characteristics of locusts vary depending on the species. For example, the Locusta migratoria known as migratory locust is found in grasslands of Africa, South Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Similarly, the South American locust known as ... What is a locust? A special type of grasshopper (Orthoptera: Acrididae) distinguished by expression of a remarkable and potentially devastating form of phenotypic plasticity, known as density-dependent phase polyphenism. Changes in local population density cause the development of strikingly different phenotypic forms, or 'phases’ (Figure 1). Low population densities produce the shy, well-camouflaged ‘solitarious’ phase, whereas crowded conditions produce the aggregating, migratory ... Locusts are large grasshoppers that can change their behavior and appearance when they gather in huge numbers. Learn about the different species, the factors that trigger their phase shifts, and the impacts of their swarms on agriculture and the environment. Locusts are the short-horned grasshoppers with highly migratory habit, marked polymorphism and voracious feeding behavior. They are capable of forming swarms (adult’s congregation) and hopper bands (nymphal congregation).