Pathways of Australian plague locust development
An understanding of the biology and ecology of a pest insect is important for developing cost-effective and sustainable management strategies. Basic research on locust lifecycle and responses to weather and environmental conditions are used in the Decision Support System to improve forecasting and for the effective deployment of APLC survey and control resources. Information on the development rates of each lifestage and variations in development pathways resulting from egg diapause and quiescence are used to help identify the timing of stages critical to locating or controlling locusts.
Pathways of development from egg to adult
Pathway of egg development
Pathways of development from egg to adult
The following diagram shows the pathways of Australian plague locust (Chortoicetes terminifera) development, from egg to adult, depending on rainfall and the condition of vegetation. See Biology and behaviour of the Australian plague locust for an explanation of the terms used in this diagram.
Pathway of egg development
Egg development in the Australian plague locust (Chortoicetes terminifera) is strongly influenced by ambient temperature and moisture. Eggs can either develop directly or development can be arrested by quiescence or diapause. Direct development occurs in warm moist conditions. See Biology and behaviour of the Australian plague locust for an explanation of the terms used in this diagram.
(QI = quiescence stage I and QII = quiescence stage II).