Spur-throated locust (Austracris guttulosa)
| Austracris guttulosa Spur-throated locust | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Distribution | |
| Taxonomy | |
| Family: | Acrididae |
| Subfamily: | Cyrtacanthacridinae |
| Genus: | Austracris |
| Additional resources | |
| Full taxonomy at OSF | |
The Spur-throated locust (Austracris guttulosa) is a large and notable species of locust found in Australia and New Zealand. Recognizable by the distinctive spur-shaped projection on its throat, this insect is known for its gregarious behavior, forming swarms that can pose a threat to agriculture. The Spur-throated locust is a polyphagous species, feeding on a wide range of plants, including crops and pastures. During periods of population increase, these locusts can undergo phase changes, transitioning from solitary individuals to highly mobile and destructive swarms. Efforts are often made to monitor and control their populations to mitigate potential damage to agricultural crops. Understanding the ecological dynamics and behavior of the Spur-throated locust is crucial for effective pest management in the regions it inhabits. Review information from the Australian Plague Locust Commission
Nomenclature
Austracris guttulosa (Walker, 1870). For full nomenclature, see this taxon's page on Orthoptera Species File
Identification
| Phase | Stage | Color | Wings | Legs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gregarious | nymph | |||
| Gregarious | immature adult | |||
| Gregarious | mature adult | |||
| Solitarious | nymph | |||
| Solitarious | immature adult | |||
| Solitarious | adult |
Identification resources
| Name | Year published | Resource link | Descriptive keyword | Language | Geographic purview | Author | Year published |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture Victoria Australian plague locust identification, biology and behaviour | 2022 | Species identification, Biology, Behavior | English | Agriculture Victoria | 2022 | ||
| APLC locust and grasshopper identification guide | Management, Species identification | English | Australian Plague Locust Commission | ||||
| Australian plague locust online learning module | 2022 | Species identification, Biology, Behavior, Management | English | Agriculture Victoria | 2022 | ||
| How to identify locusts | 2021 | Locusts, Species identification, Photos, estimation of grasshopper densities | English | Queensland Government | 2021 | ||
| Locusts of Australia | 2020 | Management, Species identification | English | Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries | 2020 | ||
| Orthoptera Species File | Species identification, Biology | English | Orthoptera Species File Online |
Distribution
Biology
Review information from the Australian Plague Locust Commission
| Phase | Developmental time |
|---|---|
| Eggs | |
| Hopper | |
| Adult | |
| Laying-fledging | |
| Adult maturation | |
| Total |
Distribution
The major breeding areas are in the Gulf region of northern Australia in monsoonal tropical grasslands, extending south into the Central Highlands of Queensland. [1]
Review information from the Australian Plague Locust Commission
For more information and distribution records see [GBIF]
Habitat and ecology
Land-use change
Pest status
Recent outbreaks
Outbreak media coverage
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Organizations associated with the spur-throated locust
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Resources
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References
- ↑ Australian Plague Locust Commission. Australian Government, https://www.agriculture.gov.au/pests-diseases-weeds/locusts. Accessed 8/11/21.