Locusts are a creature that many of us may hate, and it is known that if locusts spread, they wreak havoc. But what we do not know is that many people consider it a food and a favorite dish. Where you sing about its delicious taste. It is also a stunning brown and green insect. Which jumps around you in all directions. In addition, locusts master the art of conflict, confrontation, sacrifice, and survival.
Contents
In this article in TekeTrek Website, we will introduce you to the most important information related to this object. Follow along with us.
Locust specifications
The scientific name for the mouse is Mus, It has the following specifications:
the description:
Locusts are a type of grasshopper insect in the Orthoptera order. It does not belong to a specific genus or species and is considered a long and slender insect.
- Feet:
Locusts have strong hind legs to help them jump long distances. It can jump a distance equivalent to 20 times its body length.
- height:
The length of the locust ranges from 3-13 cm, while its body is divided into the head, thorax, and abdomen, where the abdomen is divided into 11 sections. In addition to a layer of chitin.
- the mouth:
Locusts have a mouth that contains very sharp teeth. In addition to that, it has two short horns, which it uses for sensing.
There are more than 20 thousand species of locusts in the world. The average lifespan of locusts is only one year.
Facts about locusts
- Locusts are voiceless, but locusts are known for making a type of music. Where male locusts speak what is called ‘buzzing’, which is considered a song intended to attract females.
- Locusts have the ability to fly. This is due to the presence of wings. In addition, the locust’s antennae are an important part of its body because they give it the ability to detect smell and touch.
- Locusts do not have conventional ears. The hearing organ, known as tympana, is found on its stomach and consists of membranes that detect vibrations. This is to hear sounds in the surrounding areas.
- The locust uses strange means to defend itself, as it spits a brown liquid. This is in order to escape from predators. As well as to repel any possible enemies.
- Locusts are mentioned in religious books, including the Bible and the Holy Quran.
- Swarms of locusts usually invade several countries simultaneously where there are regular periods of invasion.
- Locusts appear in two forms: they are either migratory or resident. Each species has specific places where it spreads.
- Huge locust swarms cause respiratory problems.
- Most species of locusts in the world are edible, and they are cold-blooded insects.
Locust reproduction
- Locusts reproduce in abundance, and the mating period between males and females ranges from 3 to 14 hours.
- The life cycle of locusts passes through three stages. It starts with the egg, then the nymph, then the adult insect.
- One female locust can lay from 95 to 158 eggs in one abdomen. She becomes pregnant at least three times during her life cycle.
- The female lays eggs, and after about 10-14 days they hatch. Where larvae or nymphs emerge.
- Eggs may take longer in winter and spring. The period during which they hatch reaches 60 – 70 days.
Where do locusts live?
- Locusts are found in large areas such as Africa, Asia, the Americas and Australia.
- It is also found in Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, Abyssinia, and the Libyan Desert. As well as in the valleys of Yemen and Saudi Arabia.
- Locusts appear where there is wet weather. Hurricanes also help in the emergence of locusts and their widespread spread.
What do locusts eat?
- It is said that locusts devour one kilometer. About 100 thousand tons of green plants daily.
- Locusts are carnivorous insects.
- They also prefer to spend their lives as herbivores. Most of them feed on grass and plants.
- Locusts may eat small insects, as well as the remains of dead animals if their food is in short supply.
- Other sources of food for locusts include grains such as wheat, oats, and barley.
- Vegetables are also the most preferred. He eats lettuce and cauliflower, as well as carrots, beans and onions.
Benefits and harms of locusts
- Locusts play a role in the ecosystem, as they are a source of food for many animals. Such as birds, large insects, small mammals, and reptiles.
- Locusts are one of the favorite foods of some people such as Asia and the Arab countries, especially Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
- It is said to treat diseases such as rheumatism and back pain, as well as delayed growth in children. This is because it contains 62% protein. It stimulates the body and is considered one of the most effective tonics and stimulants.
- One of its harmful effects is that eating locusts after spraying them may expose them to direct poisoning.
- Locusts also destroy agricultural crops. Thus, causing huge losses in the agricultural sector and the economy.
How do we get rid of locusts at home?
- Garlic spray has a strong smell that expels locusts from homes. It is made by mixing two heads of garlic with ten cups of water. Then we boil it and leave it for a day. After that, one part of the solution is mixed with three parts of water. It is sprayed on the leaves of infected plants.
- A layer of flour can be spread on the surface of infected leaves, so when locusts approach to eat the leaves, they eat the flour but not the leaves. Therefore, they die of hunger.
- Locusts prefer to live in areas planted with tall grasses. Therefore, an area of the home garden can be allocated and planted with tall grass. They are sprayed with pesticides to eliminate them.
- Spraying neem tree oil is one of the ways to eliminate locusts in the home. Because it isolates female locusts. Which leads to her becoming lethargic and living in isolation. This helps control them and restrict their movement.
Types of locusts
Desert locust:
- The most famous type of locust and is distinguished by its ability to jump long distances. It also reproduces abundantly, as the female desert locust lays between 95-158 eggs.
- In addition, it lives in desert regions such as Morocco, Mauritania, Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, Yemen, and Western Asia.
- In addition, it is one of the oldest migratory pests in the world that wreaks havoc on crops. Huge swarms are spreading in many countries. In addition, it is considered a desert locust plague. The most destructive species of locusts ever.
African migratory locust:
- African migratory locust founded on the continent of Africa.
Migratory eastern locust:
- It is found in the regions of East and South Asia.
Red locust:
- It is found in the regions of East Africa.
Brown locust:
- It is located in southern Africa.
Australian locust:
- Lives in Australia.
Tree locusts:
- It is found in the Mediterranean basin and Africa.
FAQ
- Do locusts drink water?
Locusts get enough water from the metabolic oxidation of the seeds they eat to survive and they don’t need to drink water at all.
- What do locust eggs look like?
Studies indicate that locust eggs are in the form of large masses, each mass containing between 50 and 70 small eggs. - Is locust’s halal in Islam?
Yes, Locusts are halal.
- Are locusts and grasshoppers the same thing?
Locusts and grasshoppers are similar in appearance, but locusts can exist in two different states (solitary and gregarious), whereas most grasshoppers do not.
- Are locusts aggressive?
Locusts are usually harmless loners. But together, they become plagues.
In the end
In the end, it must be admitted that this animal was endowed by the Creator with unique abilities. Other than that, it is an interesting insect. This is because of the strange facts and information it has. It is also a creature that is harmless to humans and does not attack. In addition to that, he was able to gain importance in several fields, such as art. But no matter what, they must be eliminated, because of the damage they cause to property, crops, and garden plants
