Locust is a winged insect that usually lives and moves in large groups (herds). It looks like a grasshopper, however, it is different in size of the body and mustache.
This pest has always been dangerous for agricultural crops, because in a short period of time it can eat the plants almost under the root, especially as regards such species as the Asian migratory.
What does locusts eat?
When forming a huge flock, the insect can eat all the vegetation that can be found in its path. The total weight of the plants eaten per day equals the pest's own weight, but average flock daily destroys 3-4 tons of green.
Maybe have:
- Reed and reed thickets along the banks of rivers, ponds, lakes, swamps;
- Any cereals - wheat, oats, corn, rye, barley, millet, sorghum and others. With less appetite, the insect destroys flax, buckwheat, hemp;
- Vegetable crops - beans, beans, soybeans, table and sugar beets, potatoes and others;
- Orchards - the pest can eat both the leaves and fruits of plums, cherries, peaches, pears, and gnaw the bark on young trees;
- Planting grapes - berries, petioles, grape leaves are eaten;
- Cabbage, gourds - pumpkins, melons, watermelons, sunflower planting;
- Self-growing trees, shrubs, grass, including whole forests.
During the locust invasion of a settlement or village, the reed or thatch roof and wooden household items were often destroyed. In arid areas, the pest can feed on any dried grass and leaves.
How does the oral apparatus?
Locust oral apparatus is gnawingIt is designed to be eaten with solid food. This type is primordial, and other forms of the mouth structure of other insects come from it. The gnawing apparatus contains the most complete set of elements - the upper and lower lips, and two pairs of upper and lower jaws.
With the help of the upper lip, the insect determines the suitability of the food being eaten. The upper jaws move horizontally., gnaw a small piece and grind it into smaller pieces. Strongly mobile mandibles push crushed food down the esophagus.
In addition to the power function, the upper and lower jaws can be used by insects for protection in combat with the enemy.
Does the locust bite?
It is often confused with grasshoppers. With a similar appearance, they also have cardinal differences:
- The grasshopper has a long mustache that helps it to find prey (the mustache is short from a locust);
- The way of life of a grasshopper is predominantly nocturnal (locust - day resident).
Since the grasshopper is a predator, it is he who can quite painfully bite a person, often to the blood, with the introduction of a burning composition into the wound.
Do locust teeth? This insect in the oral apparatus no teeth - it is herbivore, not predatory. She will not specifically attack a person and try to harm him.
However jaws are quite strongnecessary for quick otgryzaniya pieces from solid plants. And when the instinct of self-preservation is triggered, the pest can sensitively “pinch” the skin. If this happens, it is recommended to treat the site of the bite with hydrogen peroxide, iodine.
This is a great disaster for all farmers and gardeners. It moves in large flocks, multiplies rapidly and feeds on any vegetation that will be available to it.
Not only crops can be destroyed, but also trees, shrubs, reed and thatched roofs, and wooden furniture. The locust has a gnawing mouth apparatus designed for biting and grinding solid food. She cannot bite or sting.
A photo
Consequences of the locust invasion in pictures:
