About Desert Locust
Forms enormous swarms of billions that devastate crops across Africa and Asia. A single swarm can cover 1,200 square km and eat as much food as 35,000 people daily.
Did You Know?
A large locust swarm can contain 80 million individuals per square kilometer and travel 150 km per day, consuming their own body weight in food daily.
How to Identify Desert Locust
Desert Locust (Schistocerca gregaria) belongs to the order Orthoptera, family Acrididae. Adults typically measure 45-60 mm.
Desert Locust Habitat
Desert Locust is found in farmland habitats, particularly across Africa, Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Desert Locust Diet and Feeding
Desert Locust is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.
Where Is Desert Locust Found?
Desert Locust can be found in Africa, Asia, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Desert Locust can be found
Is Desert Locust Dangerous?
Desert Locust is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Desert Locust Role in Nature
Desert Locust is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Desert Locust
What does Desert Locust look like?
The Desert Locust typically measures 45-60 mm.
Where is Desert Locust found?
The Desert Locust is found in Africa, Asia and typically inhabits farmland environments.
What does Desert Locust eat?
The Desert Locust feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Desert Locust dangerous to humans?
The Desert Locust is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Desert Locust?
A large locust swarm can contain 80 million individuals per square kilometer and travel 150 km per day, consuming their own body weight in food daily.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Desert Locust (Schistocerca gregaria). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/desert-locust
MLA:
"Desert Locust." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/desert-locust.