Page Content
Distribution of the Spur-throated locust
The major breeding areas of the spur-throated locust are in the Gulf region of northern Australia in the tropical grasslands dominated by a monsoonal climate. These grasslands are characterised by a short intense wet season and a long severe dry season.
Swarming populations usually occur in the area west of the Drummond Range in Queensland, north to the Gulf of Carpentaria and across to northern Western Australia.
Spur-throated locusts require two distinct habitats within its breeding area. During winter the adults spend most of their time roosting in trees, particularly in treelines along river systems, although they may move down to feed on the vegetation below the trees during the warmer part of the day.
In the early summer the locusts disperse from the winter habitats to areas of dense, tall grass which provide food and shelter for the nymphs and fledglings. As well as native grasslands, late winter cereals provide a good environment for the newly dispersed adults, while summer cereals such as sorghum provide ideal habitats for the relatively sedentary nymphs and fledlings.