The main difference between locust and grasshopper is that a locust is a group of grasshoppers that is generally a solitary insect, forming large groups in certain circumstances whereas grasshopper is a plant-eater whose several species become serious pests. Furthermore, the locus, in its swarming phase, change color, shape and fertility whereas grasshoppers are always brown or green.
Locust and grasshopper are herbivorous insects. Locusts are called short-horned grasshoppers. They can make noises as well. Both locusts and grasshoppers are bugs. Also, they have two pairs of wings.
Key Areas Covered
1. Locust
– Definition, Characteristics, Importance
2. Grasshopper
– Definition, Characteristics. Importance
3. What are the Similarities Between Locust and Grasshopper
– Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Locust and Grasshopper
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms: Behavior, Color, Gregarious Phase, Grasshopper, Locust
Locust – Definition, Characteristics, Importance
Locusts are a type of grasshoppers that change their color and behavior when at its high population density. They are also called short-horned grasshoppers and they belong to the family Acrididae. Generally, locusts are solitary. When they increase in number, they change their behavior as well as the habitat, becoming gregarious. The gregarious phase is called the swarming phase. Gregarious locusts change their coloration, form, physiology, behavior, and fertility.
Figure 1: Garden Locust
The gregarious locusts are black and yellow or orange in color. They have higher metabolic rates. Gregarious locusts are migratory and they cover vast distances. They are infertile as well. After producing gregarious phase locusts, the next generation also becomes solitary.
Grasshopper – Definition, Characteristics, Importance
Grasshopper is a plant-eating insect with long hind legs used for jumping. Grasshopper is a medium sized insect in 1-7 cm. The color combination is brown, grey or green. These colors help them to merge with the environment. This is called camouflage. Males may have bright colors to attract females.
Figure 2: Grasshopper
The two main types of grasshoppers are long-horned grasshoppers and short-horned grasshoppers. The short-horned grasshoppers are called locusts.
Similarities Between Locust and Grasshopper
- Locust and grasshopper are herbivorous insects.
- They are bugs.
- Both locust and grasshopper belong to the order Orthoptera.
- Both are bugs that have large, compound eyes and a pair of short antennae.
- Their mouth consists of strong mandibles.
- They have elongated hind legs for jumping.
- Both have two front wings and two membranous wings in the back.
- They undergo incomplete Metamorphosis.
Difference Between Locust and Grasshopper
Definition
Locust: A type of grasshoppers that change color and behavior when at its high population density
Grasshopper: A plant-eating insect with long hind legs used for jumping
Lower Classification
Locust: Suborder Caelifera
Grasshopper: Family Acrididae
Number of Families
Locust: Single family
Grasshopper: 28 Families
Size
Locust: Large
Grasshopper: Comparatively small
Significance
Locust: A type of grasshopper that becomes gregarious, changing the color, shape and fertility
Grasshopper: A plant-eater
Behavior
Locust: Solitary insects that form large groups at favorable conditions
Grasshopper: Solitary insects
Color
Locust: Solitary form is brown in color. Gregarious adults are pink (immature) to yellow (mature)
Grasshopper: Brown or green
Coverage Distance
Locust: Covers vast distances
Grasshopper: Covers short distances
Fly or Hop
Locust: Can fly
Grasshopper: Only hops
Diet
Locust: Generally eats crops and other vegetation
Grasshopper: Eats grass
Conclusion
Locusts are short-horned grasshoppers that become gregarious at higher population densities. Grasshoppers are plant-eaters that can only cover short distances. But, locusts can fly, covering vast distances. The main difference between locust and grasshopper is their behavior.
Reference:
1. “Grasshopper – Facts, Diet & Habitat Information.” Animal Corner, Available From
2. “Locust.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 28 Sept. 2017, Available From
Image Courtesy:
1. “Garden locust (Acanthacris ruficornis)” By Charlesjsharp – Own work, from Sharp Photography, sharpphotography (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Plant-Nature-Leaf-Grasshopper-3203225” (CC0) via Max Pixel
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