About Spur-throated Locust
A large Australian locust named for the distinctive spur on its throat. It is a major agricultural pest in northern and eastern Australia, particularly damaging to sorghum and other grain crops.
Did You Know?
Unlike the plague locust, spur-throated locusts are primarily solitary but can form dense bands when conditions are favourable.
How to Identify Spur-throated Locust
Spur-throated Locust (Austracris guttulosa) belongs to the order Orthoptera, family Acrididae. Adults typically measure 50-75 mm.
Spur-throated Locust Habitat
Spur-throated Locust is found in farmland habitats, particularly across Australia, Oceania. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Spur-throated Locust Diet and Feeding
Spur-throated Locust has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter. This dietary flexibility allows it to exploit a wide range of food sources in its environment.
Where Is Spur-throated Locust Found?
Spur-throated Locust can be found in Australia, Oceania, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Spur-throated Locust can be found
Is Spur-throated Locust Dangerous?
Spur-throated 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.
Spur-throated Locust Role in Nature
Spur-throated Locust plays a role in its ecosystem as part of the food web, serving as both consumer and prey. Insects like Spur-throated Locust are a vital food source for birds, bats, and other wildlife, and contribute to the overall health and balance of their environment.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Spur-throated Locust
What does Spur-throated Locust look like?
The Spur-throated Locust typically measures 50-75 mm.
Where is Spur-throated Locust found?
The Spur-throated Locust is found in Australia, Oceania and typically inhabits farmland environments.
What does Spur-throated Locust eat?
The Spur-throated Locust has an omnivorous diet, feeding on both plant and animal matter.
Is Spur-throated Locust dangerous to humans?
The Spur-throated Locust is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Spur-throated Locust?
Unlike the plague locust, spur-throated locusts are primarily solitary but can form dense bands when conditions are favourable.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Spur-throated Locust (Austracris guttulosa). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/spur-throated-locust
MLA:
"Spur-throated Locust." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/spur-throated-locust.