Schistocerca

Stål, 1873

bird grasshoppers, bird locusts

Species Guides

13

Schistocerca is a of large grasshoppers commonly known as bird grasshoppers, with approximately 50 described . The genus is notable for containing several species capable of forming destructive locust swarms, most famously the (S. gregaria), the only Old World representative. Most species occur in the New World, with ten species documented in North America. The genus exhibits phenotypic plasticity, with some species developing migratory morphs under crowded conditions.

Schistocerca serialis cubense by (c) Eridan Xharahi, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Eridan Xharahi. Used under a CC-BY license.Schistocerca camerata by (c) Francisco Farriols Sarabia, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Francisco Farriols Sarabia. Used under a CC-BY license.Schistocerca camerata by (c) Francisco Farriols Sarabia, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Francisco Farriols Sarabia. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Schistocerca: /ˌsʃɪstəˈsɜːrkə/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Members of Schistocerca are among the largest grasshoppers in their range, with females of some reaching 50–65 mm and males 36–45 mm. They are characterized by elongated bodies, large , and powerful muscles. The term 'bird grasshopper' refers to their large size and strong flight capability. Species identification often requires examination of male abdominal terminalia; the contains several cryptic species with overlapping morphologies. The Cyrtacanthacridinae placement distinguishes them from many other genera.

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Habitat

vary by . The (S. gregaria) inhabits arid and semi-arid regions from West Africa to India. New World species occupy diverse habitats including open woodlands, grasslands, and shrublands. S. ceratiola is specifically associated with Florida rosemary (Ceratiola ericoides) shrub habitat. Solitarious phases of locust species often occupy localized, moist areas within broader arid zones.

Distribution

The has a disjunct distribution. S. gregaria occurs across Africa, the Middle East, and southwestern Asia. Approximately ten occur in North America, ranging from the eastern United States (Maryland to Florida, west to Kansas, Texas, and parts of New Mexico and Arizona) through Mexico. S. shoshone ranges into northern California. Trans-Atlantic has been proposed to explain biogeographic patterns in some locust species.

Seasonality

activity varies by latitude. In the eastern United States, adults are found from July through September, with earlier and later dates in southern latitudes. Seasonal can extend activity periods northward during favorable years. The exhibits more complex seasonality tied to rainfall patterns and breeding cycles across its extensive range.

Life Cycle

Undergoes (hemimetabolous development). Embryonic development includes formation of functional sensory structures such as prior to hatching. Some exhibit -dependent phase : crowded nymphs develop into gregarious, migratory with streamlined bodies and proportionally longer wings, while isolated individuals remain solitarious.

Behavior

Several are capable of long-distance and seasonal . The forms massive swarms numbering in millions to billions, riding storm winds ahead of weather fronts. Crowding during the nymph stage triggers hormonal changes leading to migratory morph development through physical contact ('elbow rubbing'). Most species are alert and quick to take flight when disturbed. Some species exhibit , including consumption of dead or dying conspecifics.

Ecological Role

As herbivores, they function as primary consumers and can exert substantial grazing pressure. Locust swarms represent extreme perturbations capable of causing regional agricultural collapse. In non-swarming phases and , they contribute to nutrient cycling and serve as prey for birds, reptiles, and other .

Human Relevance

The is among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, with historical causing famine and economic devastation. Other occasionally damage crops but rarely reach proportions. The extinct Rocky Mountain Locust (Melanoplus spretus) was historically confused with Schistocerca locusts by European immigrants. Research on Schistocerca has contributed to understanding of phenotypic plasticity, phase change mechanisms, and locust control strategies.

Similar Taxa

  • MelanoplusBoth contain historically called 'locusts' and include large, . Melanoplus species typically have shorter wings relative to body size and lack the extreme phase of locust-forming Schistocerca species.
  • DissosteiraIncludes large grasshoppers with strong (e.g., Carolina grasshopper). Distinguished by banded wings in most and different pronotal shape.

Misconceptions

The term 'locust' is often misapplied to any swarming or even to periodical cicadas by laypersons. True locusts are specifically grasshoppers that exhibit -dependent phase change between solitarious and gregarious forms. Not all Schistocerca are locusts; only some have this capability. The extinct Rocky Mountain Locust (Melanoplus spretus) was not a Schistocerca species despite common confusion.

More Details

Taxonomic complexity

and delineations within Schistocerca remain under active revision by experts. The 'alutacea group' in North America contains particularly challenging cryptic species.

Sensory development

Embryonic development of (antennal auditory receptor) has been studied in S. gregaria, revealing conserved developmental patterns with twelve lineages arranged circumferentially by mid-embryogenesis.

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