Cicadas and locusts are often confused, but they are distinctly different insects. While cicadas are known for their loud buzzing and multi-year life cycles, locusts are a type of grasshopper infamous for their swarming behavior and devastating impact on crops. Only the cicada lives in the United States. The Rocky Mountain locust was declared extinct in the early 1900s, according to Live Science.
Locusts: A Type of Grasshopper with a Destructive Side
Locusts are a specific type of grasshopper, belonging to just 22 species out of the thousands that exist worldwide. What sets them apart is their capacity to transform from solitary creatures into gregarious swarms capable of consuming vast quantities of vegetation. According to National Geographic, these swarms can have devastating effects on agriculture.
The Transformation: From Solitary to Swarm
The transformation from solitary grasshopper to swarming locust is triggered by specific environmental conditions. Prolonged dry weather forces locusts to congregate in areas with available vegetation. This crowding causes the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that alters their behavior and increases their appetite.
When rain finally arrives, bringing renewed vegetation, the locusts undergo a “gregarious phase.” During this phase, they reproduce rapidly, further increasing population density. They may even change color and body shape, and their brains grow larger, as reported by National Geographic.
The Devastating Impact of Locust Swarms
Locust swarms can be enormous, containing millions of individuals. These swarms are capable of consuming over 300 million pounds of vegetation in a single day, according to National Geographic. As they travel, they leave behind a trail of destruction, devouring crops and other plants. Locust swarms are known to travel long distances, even crossing oceans. In 1988, a swarm traveled 3,100 miles from West Africa to the Caribbean in just 10 days.
Locusts Around the World
While the United States is currently free from locust swarms due to the extinction of the Rocky Mountain locust, these destructive insects remain a significant problem in other parts of the world. They are particularly devastating in certain regions of Africa, where the loss of crops caused by locust swarms can lead to starvation and famine.
Cicadas vs. Locusts: Key Differences
It’s important to distinguish between cicadas and locusts. Cicadas, including the dog-day and periodical varieties found in Illinois, are known for their loud buzzing sound and play a beneficial role in the ecosystem.
Locusts, on the other hand, are a type of grasshopper that can form destructive swarms, causing significant damage to agriculture and food security. While cicadas may be a nuisance with their noise, locusts pose a far greater threat to human well-being in many parts of the world.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between cicadas and locusts is crucial for appreciating the impact these insects have on our environment and economy. While cicadas are a common sight and sound in many regions, locusts represent a significant threat to agriculture and food security in various parts of the world, particularly in Africa. Recognizing the factors that contribute to locust swarming behavior is essential for developing effective strategies to mitigate their devastating effects.
