The desert locust is a grasshopper that can transform into vast, migrating swarms. It is the most dangerous migratory pest in the world, threatening food supplies across Africa and Asia.
Interesting facts
- Locusts change from solitary, green insects to swarming, yellow-and-black insects when crowded.
- Crowding triggers a rise in serotonin in their nervous system, starting the change.
- Swarms can contain tens of millions of locusts per square kilometre.
- In 2019–2021, the worst locust upsurge in decades hit East Africa and South Asia.
- In 1988, a swarm flew across the Atlantic from West Africa to the Caribbean.
- Each locust can eat about its own weight in plants every day.
Behaviour
Most of the time, locusts live alone. After rain brings plant growth, numbers build up, and crowded locusts form bands and swarms that travel with the wind.
Breeding and young
Females lay pods of eggs in moist sand. Hoppers hatch and go through several moults before growing wings.
Threats and conservation
Not threatened. Monitoring and early control help prevent plagues.
Where to see it
- Deserts of East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula during outbreaks
- Sahel region of Africa
- Monitored by the FAO Locust Watch
- Insect exhibits at natural history museums
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
