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Oedaleus senegalensis (Krauss, 1877) is commonly called the Senegalese grasshopper or locust and is a significant agricultural pest in the Sahel region.
Oedaleus senegalensis (Krauss, 1877). For full nomenclature, see this taxon's page on Orthoptera Species File
Identification
Oedaleus senegalensis is a medium-sized.[1] Fully grown adults typically measure between 2 and 4 centimeters in length and weigh less than 0.5 grams. Their coloration can vary, spanning from shades of green or tan to a dark brown, often accompanied by dark markings.
The variability in coloration has been associated with ecological factors driven by the rainy seasons. At the beginning and conclusion of the rainy season, brown morphs prevail, whereas in the midst of the rainy season where vegetation is lush and green, green morphs are more prevalent (Chandra, 1983; Cheke, Fishpool, and Forrest, 1980; Diop, 1987).
Brown morphs are more common in fallow fields at the onset of the rainy season, where they are often found in higher densities (Le Gall, Word, Thompson, Manneh, et al., 2020).
Oedaleus senegalensis is found across the entire Indo-Saharan region, stretching from the Atlantic, encompassing Cape Verde, to central India. [2] This species thrives in tropical zones and is labeled as a significant pest. [3] However, its economic impact is minimal to nonexistent in other areas. [1]
For more information and distribution records see [GBIF]
Biology
Life cycle parameters
Phase
Developmental time
Eggs
Hopper
Adult
Laying-fledging
Adult maturation
Total
Habitat and ecology
The Senegalese grasshopper is primarily graminivorous, rarely eating forbs and woody vegetation, with a preference for plants in the grass family, Poaceae.[1] The diversity of their diet is influenced by the availability of wild grasses in their natural habitat. Boys in 1978.
Land-use change
Pest status
Prior to 1974, the Senegalese grasshopper was not regarded as a major pest in the Sahel region. However, outbreaks of this species and other grasshoppers covered 3.5 million hectares in West Africa between 1974 and 75, resulting in a loss of 368,000 tons in agricultural production (Bernardi, 1986; Lecoq, 1978). Since that time, O. senegalensis has consistently retained its position as the primary pest in the Sahelian region of West Africa (Cheke, 1990).
Recent outbreaks
Outbreak media coverage
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Organizations associated with the Senegalese grasshopper
Agricultural development, Community development, Control, Arts and humanities, International development, Monitoring, Sustainable development, Training, Natural sciences
Forecasting, International development, Training, Agricultural development, Sustainable development, Natural sciences, Modeling, Monitoring, Research, Control, Community development
Projects
Numerous research projects looking at how land-use practices influence the Senegalese grasshopper (Oedaleus senegalensis) have built on each other over the years, creating a wealth of knowledge on this system and opportunities for alternative management strategies. Learn more about research on the Senegalese grasshopper in West Africa
Bay Sa Waar Communities for Sustainable Agriculture group photo
↑ 1.01.11.2 Le Gall M, Touré M, Lecoq M, Marescot L, Cease A, Maiga I (2023) Chapter 4 – Senegalese grasshopper—a major pest of the Sahel. In: Sivanpillai R, Shroder JF (Eds), Biological and Environmental Hazards, Risks, and Disasters (Second Edition). Hazards and Disasters Series. Elsevier, Boston, 77–96. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-820509-9.00009-5
↑ Maiga IH, Lecoq M, Kooyman C (2008) Ecology and management of the Senegalese grasshopper Oedaleus senegalensis (Krauss 1877) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in West Africa: review and prospects. Annales de la Société entomologique de France 44: 271–288. https://doi.org/10.1080/00379271.2008.10697563
↑ COPR (1982) The locust and grasshopper agricultural manual. Centre for Overseas Pest Research, London. 690 pp.
