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Photo by Peter Chen

The migratory grasshopper (Melanoplus sanguinipes), is a spur-throated grasshopper widespread across North America, particularly in central and western regions. It is thought to be a close relative of the extinct Rocky Mountain locust (Melanoplus spretus) that swarmed the Great Plains in the 1800's. M. sanguinipes is a medium to large grasshoppers and is considered one of the most abundant and destructive pests to rangeland and agriculture in the North American West. It is a generalist feeder and thrives in degraded or weedy landscapes. They are known for their ability to migrate in swarms, especially during outbreaks. The economic impact of their outbreaks along with other species leads to the treatment of millions of acres of range and cropland each year. Click here for more details.

Featured species

Photo by Larena Woodmore (used with permission)

The Australian plague locust (Chortoicetes terminifera) is widespread on the mainland of Australia. Its frequent outbreaks and ability to produce several generations in a year make it a notorious pest species. Ecologically, C. terminifera primarily inhabits grasslands and semi-arid regions. They are polyphagous, feeding on a variety of grasses and crops, which often leads to significant agricultural damage during swarm outbreaks. Management of C. terminifera involves monitoring and forecasting to predict outbreaks, combined with targeted control measures. The Australian Plague Locust Commission (APLC) plays a key role in management through surveillance and chemical control methods. However, chemical control is balanced with environmental considerations, including the potential impacts on non-target species and ecosystems. See the Australian Plague Locust Commission for more extensive information on the Australian plague locust. Click here for more details.