Locust

Definition

A type of grasshopper known for its ability to form large swarms that can cause significant damage to crops and vegetation.

Etymology

From Latin 'locusta', meaning 'grasshopper' or 'locust'.

Example

The desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria) can form swarms that devastate agricultural regions in Africa and Asia.

Synonyms

• Grasshopper

Related Terms

• Swarm
• Acrididae
• Phase polymorphism

Usage Notes

Locusts are distinguished from grasshoppers by their behavior of forming large, migratory swarms in certain conditions.