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Desert Locust

Schistocerca gregaria

HarmlessUncommon

Quick answer

Harmless to people, harmful to crops in swarms. Safety level: Harmless.

How to identify the Desert Locust

A large grasshopper, 6-7.5 cm long, with strong back legs and long wings.
Lone locusts are green or beige; swarming locusts turn yellow with black markings.
Young hoppers have no full wings and march in bands on the ground.
Size: 6–7.5 cm.

Where it lives

Lives in dry areas of Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. After good rains, populations can grow fast and form swarms of millions that travel long distances.

Is it dangerous?

Desert locusts are harmless to people: they do not bite people or carry disease. Swarms are a serious threat to food security because they eat crops and pasture.

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Children and pets

Safe to watch.

What to do

Report large swarms to agriculture authorities.

Fun fact

A swarm can travel 150 km in a single day.

Frequently asked questions

Are locusts dangerous to humans?

No. They do not attack people. The danger is to crops and food supplies.

What is the difference between a locust and a grasshopper?

Locusts are grasshoppers that can change colour and behaviour and form swarms when crowded.

What should I do if I see a swarm?

Report it to local agriculture authorities; they track swarms to protect farms.