Abstract
NATURAL populations of locusts are characterized by large fluctuations in numbers, accompanied by changes in morphology, colour and behaviour in both the nymphs (hoppers) and the adults. When numbers are high, the hoppers aggregate into bands containing from a few hundred to several thousand individuals. Similar gregarious hoppers can be produced in the laboratory by rearing several together in one cage1. There is much circumstantial evidence to suggest that, provided the total numbers are sufficient, the formation of hopper bands depends partly on a patchy physical environment, especially a vegetation mosaic, and partly on strong attractions between hoppers2,3.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
References
Faure, J. C., Bull. Ent. Res., 23, 293 (1932).
Ellis, P. E., and Ashall, C., Anti-Locust Bull. No. 25 (in the press).
Davey, J. T., and Johnston, H. B., Anti-Locust Bull. No. 22 (1956).
Ellis, P. E., Behaviour, 5, 225 (1953).
Ellis, P. E. (unpublished laboratory data).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
ELLIS, P. Differences in Social Aggregation in Two Species of Locust. Nature 178, 1007 (1956). https://doi.org/10.1038/1781007a0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/1781007a0
This article is cited by
-
Plant Size-dependent Escaping Behavior of Gregarious Nymphs of the Desert Locust, Schistocerca gregaria
Journal of Insect Behavior (2013)
-
Aggregation in the lime aphid (Eucallipterus tiliae L.)
Oecologia (1976)
-
Environmental and Behavioural Processes in a Desert Locust Outbreak
Nature (1968)
-
The Prothoracic Gland and Colour Change in Locusts
Nature (1961)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.
