What is the Difference Between Locust and Grasshopper?

Locusts and grasshoppers are both insects belonging to the order Orthoptera, but they have some differences in their behavior and appearance. Here are the main differences between locusts and grasshoppers:

1. Behavioral State: Locusts can exist in two different behavioral states, solitary and gregarious, whereas most grasshoppers do not exhibit this change in behavior.
2. Swarming: Locusts have the ability to swarm, while most grasshopper species do not.
3. Size: Locusts generally have smaller bodies compared to grasshoppers.
4. Wing Structure: As grasshoppers morph into locusts, their wing structure begins to change. Locusts have longer and stronger wings, allowing them to fly over longer distances compared to grasshoppers.
5. Habitat: Grasshoppers can thrive in a wide range of habitats, from mountains to tropical forests, grasslands, and savannahs, while locusts have a more specific habitat preference.
6. Taxonomy: Although locusts are a type of grasshopper, not all grasshoppers are locusts. Locusts belong to the short-horned grasshopper family (Acrididae suborder), while grasshoppers belong to the Caelifera suborder.

In summary, the main differences between locusts and grasshoppers are their behavioral states, swarming ability, size, wing structure, and habitat preferences.

Comparative Table: Locust vs Grasshopper

Here is a table comparing the differences between locusts and grasshoppers:

Locusts are a type of short-horned grasshopper that can undergo a transformation in behavior and appearance when they enter a gregarious phase, forming swarms and causing extensive damage to crops. In contrast, grasshoppers are solitary insects that do not exhibit this swarming behavior. While both insects belong to the order Orthoptera, locusts belong to the Acrididae suborder, while grasshoppers belong to the Caelifera suborder.