Locusts’ Built-In ‘Surface Analysis’ Ability Directs Them to Fly Overland

[Orstio]

http://www.everything-science.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=151&Itemid=1

Swarms of millions of locusts have, since Biblical times and until our very own day, been considered a “plague” of major proportions, with the creatures destroying every growing thing in their path.

Closeup of locust in tree. (Photo by Asaph Rivlin)

Until now, it was thought that the directions of these swarms were predominantly directed by prevailing winds. Now, Hebrew University of Jerusalem scientists have shown that a physiological trait of these grasshoppers – namely their polarization vision -- provides them with a built-in source of “surface analysis” – a discovery that could pave the way for efforts to effectively combat this periodic scourge by controlling their natural inclination to . . .

[Patty]

Hello Orstio!

One of my favorite bits of trivia about locusts, is that the pheremone that causes swarming is actually produced by bacteria in the locust's gut. If you eliminate the bacteria (or grow germ - free locusts), they don't swarm. It makes me wonder what advantage swarming provides to the bacteria. Maybe the insects forage better in groups than they do individually, or something.

[Orstio]

Hi Patty, that's very interesting.

The pheremone produced probably helps the locusts find food in the sense that where there are a lot of locusts, there is most likely a good source of food.  Perhaps the bacteria produces the pheremone only when the locust is eating, or has a full belly?

This would be beneficial for both the locusts and the bacteria.