Latin name: Family Acrididae (including Chortoicetes terminifera – Australian Plague Locust)
Locusts are destructive agricultural pests found throughout Australia, with the Australian Plague Locust being the most widespread species. They occur naturally in inland regions but can migrate long distances in large swarms when seasonal conditions favour breeding. Locusts feed on grasses, crops, pasture, vegetables and ornamental plants, causing significant damage in a short period.
Locust activity increases following periods of rainfall that promote lush vegetation. Eggs are laid in bare soil, and under favourable conditions large numbers of wingless nymphs (hopper bands) develop before maturing into flying adults capable of forming swarms.
Lifecycle
Locusts undergo incomplete metamorphosis consisting of egg, nymph (hopper) and adult stages.
- Females lay egg pods in bare or lightly vegetated soil.
- Wingless hoppers emerge and feed in groups known as hopper bands.
- Nymphs moult several times before developing wings.
- Adults become highly mobile and may form swarms capable of travelling hundreds of kilometres.
Several generations may occur each year depending on rainfall and temperature.
Identification
- Adults typically 25–45 mm long
- Brown, grey or green depending on age and environment
- Large hind legs adapted for jumping
- Fully developed wings in adults
- Juveniles (hoppers) are wingless and often move in dense marching bands
- Large swarms may rapidly strip vegetation
Damage
- Defoliation of crops, pastures and ornamental plants
- Severe damage to newly established seedlings
- Reduced pasture availability for livestock
- Significant losses in cereal, vegetable and horticultural crops
- Rapid destruction of vegetation during swarm events
SOLUTIONS
On ornamental plants and gardens with active locust feeding: Apply Apparent Surround Bifenthrin 100SC for rapid knockdown and residual control of feeding insects where permitted by the label.
In commercial landscapes and turf under locust pressure: Treat affected areas with Apparent Surround Bifenthrin 100SC before populations become established.
For large infestations in agricultural or broadacre situations: Use a locust-registered agricultural insecticide in accordance with local regulations and label directions, as these applications typically require products specifically registered for locust control.
Following rainfall when hopper bands begin emerging: Monitor susceptible areas regularly and treat early while locusts are still concentrated as wingless nymphs for the most effective control.
References
https://www.agriculture.gov.au/biosecurity-trade/pests-diseases-weeds/locusts
https://www.plague-locusts.com.au
https://apparentag.com.au/product/apparent-surround/
https://stratagreen.com.au/products/apparent-surround-bifenthrin-100sc
