Spur-throated locust

Definition

A large, native Australian locust (Austracris guttulosa, family Acrididae) named for a distinctive pointed projection on the ventral surface of the pronotum between the forelegs. Adults are brown to yellowish with dark markings and can form dense, damaging swarms in favorable seasons across inland Australia.

Etymology

Named for the spine-like projection (spur) on the throat region (ventral pronotum).

Example

During the 2010 outbreak, spur-throated locust swarms migrated hundreds of kilometers from western Queensland to devastate winter cereal crops in New South Wales.

Synonyms

• Austracris guttulosa

Related Terms

• Acrididae
• Australian plague locust
• swarming locust
• pronotum
• phase polyphenism
• outbreak species
• Grasshopper

Usage Notes

One of Australia's most economically significant locust pests alongside the Australian plague locust (Chortoicetes terminifera) and migratory locust (Locusta migratoria). The 'spur' is diagnostic but requires close examination; field identification often relies on size, color pattern, and habitat. Not to be confused with spur-throated grasshoppers of other genera worldwide.