Grasshopper and locust: differences in behavior
Usually grasshoppers are solitary lifestyle, they never get together and not merged for survival. They also differ in that they lay eggs in a certain way in the bark of trees or in cracks in fences and poles.
Locusts lay eggs in the soil, one egg or clumps of 3-4 eggs.
The locust has the unique ability to switch from a secluded life on a gregarious existence. While conditions are favorable and she is able to find enough food, this insect prefers to live alone. However, once the food source is reduced and dries out, locusts are forced to come into close contact with other canines.
Grasshopper and locust: difference in the diet
Grasshoppers eat smaller insects, so they are omnivorous predators. Hunting them helps the structure of their front legs and camouflage the color of the body.
Locusts, unlike the grasshopper, feeds exclusively on plants. The locusts is a swarm, it is able to travel great distances at high speeds. So, in 1954, a swarm of these insects flew from Northwest Africa to great Britain. Three decades later, in 1988, a locust swarm flew from West Africa and reached the Caribbean. These insects have overcome 5000 miles in just 10 days.
The locust eats the equivalent of its own weight, and therefore, when formed by Roy, he is able to destroy huge amounts of vegetation in its path. For agriculture this can have disastrous consequences.
Grasshopper and locust: external differences
Grasshoppers are usually green, as their habitat is vegetation. It helps them better to hide and attack smaller insects. In addition, grasshoppers are a moving head with a rather sharp jaws. The size and structure of their bodies allows them to jump, they have massive hind legs and short front, which makes them good hunters. If you don't know who is in front of you – a grasshopper or locust, look at the antennae of an insect. If they are thin and very long, which is a grasshopper.
Despite the differences, the locust, and grasshopper belong to the same group – Orthoptera.
The locust has an elongated oblong body is usually brown or yellow in color. However, these insects are green and brown and gray. They have short antennae, not longer than head. The front legs of locusts weaker than the grasshopper. She uses them as a support at movement. Hind legs of this insect are shorter and stronger, enabling the locust to make long jumps.