How is a locust different to the common grasshopper?
To the untrained eye it can be difficult to distinguish the Australian Plague Locust from the wingless grasshopper and other locust and grasshopper species. Adults of the Australian plague locust are distinguished from other species by the large dark spot on the tip of the hind wings and distinctive red line on the hind legs. The hind wings are clear with no other colouration or marking apart from the translucent black area at the tip of the wing. Also, young locusts are known to form dense groups called ‘bands’ when foraging for food. Similarly, adults form swarms that can migrate great distances overnight. Conversely, grasshoppers do not have those physical features or form bands and swarms.
