Chortoicetes terminifera

Definition

A species of short-horned grasshopper in the family Acrididae, native to Australia and widely known as the Australian plague locust. It is a classic eruptive pest whose population irruptions produce regional outbreaks and long-distance migrations that damage pasture and cereal crops across the inland and southern agricultural zones.

Etymology

Greek chortos (pasture, green vegetation) + Greek oiketes (inhabitant); Latin terminifera (boundary-bearing, referring to wing markings).

Example

Chortoicetes terminifera outbreaks in 2010–2011 affected over 500,000 km² of southeastern Australia, with high-density bands marching from the Channel Country of Queensland into New South Wales and Victoria, requiring coordinated aerial spraying.

Synonyms

• Australian plague locust

Related Terms

• locust phase polyphenism
• Acrididae
• Orthoptera
• gregarious behavior
• outbreak area
• plague locust
• Schistocerca gregaria
• Locusta migratoria

Usage Notes

The common name 'Australian plague locust' is often preferred in agricultural and policy contexts; 'Chortoicetes terminifera' is standard in taxonomic and ecological literature. The species is distinguished from other Australian locusts (e.g., Austroicetes cruciata, Locusta migratoria) by its wing venation, pronotal shape, and distinctive dark marking on the hindwing anal area visible in flight. Population dynamics are monitored by the Australian Plague Locust Commission using remote sensing and ground surveys.