Schistocerca

Schistocerca is a genus of grasshoppers in the family Acrididae, subfamily Cyrtacanthacridinae, containing a number of species whose geographic range spans Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Several members are known for locust behavior, where population surges can form dense swarms that migrate and feed on vegetation.

Notable species: The best-known is Schistocerca gregaria, commonly called the desert locust, which is capable of rapid, long-distance swarming and is a major agricultural pest in Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. Other Schistocerca species occur mainly in the Americas and include grasshoppers that may become pests under favorable conditions, though not all form large swarms.

Morphology and phase change: In many Schistocerca species, crowding induces phase polyphenism, with solitary individuals becoming gregarious. Changes may include altered coloration, behavior, and increased reproductive capacity; wing length and body morphology can also shift toward swarming forms.

Ecology and life cycle: They inhabit grasslands, savannas, and agricultural fields, feeding on grasses and crops. Eggs are deposited in soil pods and hatch into nymphs (hoppers) that molt through several instars before reaching adulthood. The duration varies with temperature and food availability.

Management: Swarms pose crop protection challenges. Monitoring and early warning are essential; control relies on chemical insecticides, with integrated pest management approaches incorporating biological agents and landscape management where feasible.