<i>Comparative biogeography and biology of the South American locust</i>, <b>Schistocerca cancellata</b><i>(Serville), and the south african desert locust</i>, <b>s. gregaria flaviventris</b><i>(Burmeister) (Orthoptera: Acrididae): a review</i>

Abstract

Abstract A comparison is made of the distribution, breeding, migration and population dynamics of Schistocerca cancellata (Serville) in South America and S. gregaria flaviventris (Burmeister) in southern Africa. The annual patterns of breeding and migration are strongly influenced by the weather and its seasonal variations. Breeding is confined to the summer rains, and outbreak regions lie in the driest parts of the distribution areas, where habitats are unstable but where high reproductive capacity allows the occasionally abundant rains to lead to plagues. The long dry season is passed in the mobile, downwind-displacing adult stage, survival being assisted by flexibility of rates of sexual maturation and of egg development. Some comparisons are made with S. gregaria gregaria (Forskål).