By Josie June 29th, 2023
The largest recorded swarm of these locusts in history was said to have consisted of over 1.5 trillion insects.
Females can lay up to 100 eggs in a single pod – and can produce multiple pods throughout their lifespan.
Scientists believe this behavior is triggered by environmental factors, such as drought and the release of certain chemicals in their bodies.
When they form swarms, they turn into a yellowish color and growing longer wings.
These insects feed voraciously on plants leading to huge economic losses for farmers and governments, and causing famines.
In East Africa, locust swarms have caused losses of up to $8.5 billion in crop damages.
They then begin to swarm together, flying in unison and consuming vast amounts of vegetation as they travel.
When locusts destroy crops, farmers are forced to migrate, leaving behind their properties and falling into poverty.
In Africa, locust plagues cause chronic food insecurity, with communities experiencing severe hunger and malnutrition.
The mass destruction of plants leads to soil erosion, leaving the land vulnerable to further ecological damage.