Locust Life Cycle

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 Schistocerca paranensis is abundantly found in the central and southern parts of America. Swarms of locusts have ruined and destroyed agricultural crops worldwide.

Let’s look at the life cycle of a locust to get a better understanding.

Life Cycle of Locust

1) The Egg – Stage 1 –

After fertilization, the female locusts usually lays her eggs inside holes made in warm, damp soil or sand known as pods. The female locusts produce a froth-liquid that encloses the eggs which ensure hydration and protection from predators. After this, the eggs undergo further development and enter the nymph stage.

2) The Nymph – Stage 2 –

After 10 days to two weeks of egg-laying, the eggs hatch and nymphs come out. These newly hatched locusts are called hoppers or nymphs. Gradually as the nymph grows, they shed their skin or moult five times. These moulting phases are known as instars. After the fifth instar, the nymph develops wings and reproductive organs.

3) The Fledglings – Stage 3 –

After the fifth moulting, even though the nymphs have fully grown wings, they are still soft and fragile. Due to this, the fledgelings are unable to fly yet. During this stage, the exoskeleton of fledgeling locust becomes harder. Fledgelings also consume large amounts of plants in order to conserve energy for reproduction and wing development.

4) The Adult – Stage 4 –

After about two weeks, the fledgelings become sexually mature. During this stage, the adult locust is mostly migrating and constantly feeding. Adult locusts tend to gather in large groups and invade green plants or crop fields. The life expectancy of adult locusts is around eight to ten weeks. During this the male and female locusts mate, the female locusts lay eggs and the entire cycle begins again.

Conclusion

Insects like butterflies and houseflies who undergo complete metamorphosis, whereas locusts do not undergo complete metamorphosis. From gathering in swarms to living in solidarity, locusts showcase various characteristics.

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