One of the simplest differences between insects is antennae. In locusts, they are always shorter and thicker, and the grasshopper is long and thin, often exceeding the length of the body.
The locust has a more elongated body shape and often wider, and the grasshopper is slimmer and shorter.
Also, the locusts have wings neatly and evenly lying on their backs, like a raincoat. The horse often holds them in the form of a “house”. This creates a characteristic triangular silhouette.
Photo: Komahs Ukrainian / Facebook
Sarancha is a chameleon. When it lives one by one, its color is often green, which helps to disguise itself among the vegetation. But when it is going to huge flocks, its color changes to gray or brown. Grasshopers usually remain green, merging perfectly with grass, where they hunt.
A grasshopper is a predator that hunts small insects and is absolutely safe for crops, even useful. The locust is a dangerous pest that can unite in huge, destructive flocks. After themselves, devastated fields are left.
If you can hear the characteristic chirping in the grass, especially in the evening, most likely, this is a grasshopper male caring for a female. The locust does not sing such songs.
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Two main types of locusts are fixed in Ukraine: Migratory locust and Egyptian, said the chief state phytosanitary inspector Vadim Tchaikovsky in an interview with Telegraph.
The first view is the most dangerous. It is this insect that can form huge flocks that cover and destroy vegetation with a continuous layer. In the pack, the migratory locust moves quickly and is a serious threat to agriculture.
Egyptian locusts mainly lives alone, does not create flocks and therefore does not pose a serious threat. The insect more resembles a large grasshopper and rarely inflicts agrarian losses.
Context
Mass reproduction and growth of the number of locusts in the eastern regions of Ukraine is a consequence of high temperature and arid weather. In this regard, a special plant protection regime for localization and destruction of the pest has been introduced in the areas.
The State District Service calls to immediately report the foci of migratory locusts in case of detection. Since most locusts live and multiply on virgin abandoned land, the most effective measures are discs, harrowing or plowing in the fall of the entire area, experts say.
Experts use different ways to combat pests, but a biologist from the Institute of Zoology NAS Taras Pushkar called another possible – you can simply eat locusts.
