Carolina locust

The Carolina locust (Dissosteira carolina) is a member of the order Orthoptera and the family Acrididae, commonly known as short-horned grasshoppers.

These insects are large, typically measuring between 30 and 50 mm in length, with a body coloration ranging from tan to greyish-brown.

When resting, they blend seamlessly into the soil, but in flight, their hind wings become a striking feature, displaying a black color with a yellow border.

They possess a prominent crest on their pronotum, which distinguishes them from many other local grasshopper species found in North American fields.

Immature stages, known as nymphs, look like smaller, wingless versions of the adults, progressing through several molts before reaching maturity.

As a generalist herbivore, the Carolina locust feeds on a wide variety of plant species, making it a potential threat to diverse agricultural systems.

They are known to feed on critical field crops such as wheat, corn, and soybeans, often consuming substantial amounts of green leaf tissue.

Garden crops and forage grasses are also highly susceptible, leading to reduced yields and the degradation of grazing pastures during outbreaks.

The insects can strip plants down to the central veins, which prevents proper growth and significantly reduces the photosynthetic efficiency of the crops.

In addition to cultivated plants, they frequent wild grasses and weeds, allowing their populations to thrive in the margins surrounding commercial fields.

The Carolina locust overwinters in the egg stage, with eggs typically deposited in pods located just beneath the soil surface in late summer and autumn.

Nymphs emerge during late spring as soil temperatures rise, beginning their growth cycle as they consume available vegetation in the field.

The life cycle involves multiple nymphal stages, with adults appearing in mid-summer and remaining active until the first killing frosts of autumn.

There is only one generation produced per year, which relies on the stability of the soil environment to protect the overwintering eggs.

Populations are generally stable but can increase significantly during hot, dry weather conditions, which favor egg survival and larval development.

The most common indicator of an infestation is the irregular, shredded appearance of leaf edges, which are characteristic of grasshopper feeding.

Severe infestations can lead to complete defoliation of plants, leaving only woody stalks and veins behind in the most affected sections.

Small, cylindrical fecal pellets found on or beneath damaged plants are clear evidence of grasshopper activity in the immediate area.

Observing high numbers of jumping insects when walking through fields or along edges is another strong sign of a population buildup.

Plants often exhibit stunted growth or yellowing as they struggle to recover from the physical damage inflicted by the pests.

Cultural control is a primary defense, particularly deep plowing after harvest, which disrupts the soil where egg pods are located.

Vegetation management along field borders is crucial, as keeping these areas mowed reduces attractive habitats for egg-laying and early-stage feeding.

Chemical intervention with insecticides may be necessary if the number of individuals exceeds the economic threshold for the specific crop grown.

Biological controls, such as the use of natural pathogens like the fungus Beauveria bassiana, can provide a safer alternative for managing populations.

• Monitor fields consistently, especially during the spring hatching period.
• Apply targeted insecticides to field margins to stop the spread of nymphs.
• Maintain healthy crop stands to improve the plant's natural resilience to minor damage.