Difference Between Locust And Grasshopper

June 19, 2024

Locusts and grasshoppers are two of the most commonly recognized types of insects. They may look similar to one another, but there are a few key differences between them. In this article, we will discuss the main differences between locusts and grasshoppers from their habitats to their behavior.

Physical Appearance

Grasshoppers and locusts are both members of the suborder Caelifera, and they share a lot of similarities in their physical appearance. They have a large head, a thorax, and a abdomen. Both have two antennae, two compound eyes, and three pairs of jointed legs. However, locusts tend to be larger than grasshoppers and the wings of a locust are typically longer.

Habitat

Grasshoppers are typically found in areas with plenty of vegetation such as meadows, fields, and gardens. They tend to stay close to their food sources and are usually found in areas where there is plenty of grass and other vegetation. On the other hand, locusts can be found in a variety of habitats, including deserts, grasslands, and agricultural fields. They are also found in places where there is little vegetation, such as deserts.

Behavior

Grasshoppers are solitary creatures, meaning they tend to live alone. They are also typically calm and avoid contact with other insects. Locusts, on the other hand, are known for their swarming behavior, meaning they gather together in large groups and can cause extensive damage to crops and vegetation. They also tend to be more aggressive than grasshoppers.

Diet

Grasshoppers are primarily herbivores and feed on leaves, grasses, and other vegetation. Locusts, however, are omnivores and will feed on a variety of plants and even other insects. They are known to feed on the same crops that humans grow, which can cause extensive damage to agricultural fields.

Reproduction

Grasshoppers lay eggs in the soil in the summer and the eggs will hatch in the spring. The newly hatched grasshoppers will then go through a series of molts before reaching adulthood. Locusts, on the other hand, lay their eggs in the soil or in other protected areas and the eggs will hatch in the summer. The newly hatched locusts will then go through a series of molts before reaching adulthood.

Predators

Grasshoppers have a variety of predators, including birds, reptiles, and other insects. Locusts are also preyed upon by birds, reptiles, and other insects, but they are also preyed upon by humans, who use them as a source of food in some cultures.

Migration

Grasshoppers typically stay in the same area throughout their lives and do not migrate. Locusts, however, are known for their migratory behavior and will migrate in large swarms in search of new food sources.

Life Cycle

Grasshoppers typically live for one to two years, while locusts typically live for two to three years. The life cycle for both begins with eggs, which hatch into nymphs and then go through a series of molts before reaching adulthood.

Appearance Change

Both grasshoppers and locusts undergo a dramatic appearance change as they go through their life cycle. The nymphs of both species will have short wings and will be darker in color than the adult forms. As they go through successive molts, the wings will grow longer and the color will lighten until they reach adulthood.

Noise

Grasshoppers are known to make a chirping sound by rubbing their hind legs against their wings. Locusts, on the other hand, are known to make a loud buzzing sound by vibrating their wings.

Flight

Grasshoppers are capable of flight, but they usually stay close to the ground. Locusts, on the other hand, are capable of sustained flight and can travel for long distances in search of food.

Size

Grasshoppers are typically smaller than locusts and can range in size from less than an inch to several inches in length. Locusts, on the other hand, can reach up to four inches in length.

Color

Grasshoppers are typically green or brown in color, while locusts can be various shades of yellow, brown, or black.

Damage Potential

Grasshoppers can cause damage to crops, but the damage is usually localized and not as extensive as the damage caused by locusts. Locusts, on the other hand, can cause extensive damage to crops and vegetation due to their large numbers and migratory behavior.

Conclusion

Locusts and grasshoppers may look similar, but they have some key differences. They differ in their habitats, behavior, diet, reproduction, predators, and life cycle. They also differ in their appearance and ability to cause damage to crops. Knowing the differences between these two insects can help you to identify them and understand their life cycles better.