Grasshoppers and locusts are strikingly similar, but how similar are they? Of course – they both have firm legs and a certain shade of body, but each of them stands apart as a rather unique animal. While there are several physical traits that set them apart, their behavior is the most obvious way to tell them apart.
Each of these insects has a different diet, although both are herbivores. However, only a grasshopper can physiologically become different during flocks. In addition, each of them live up to a year, but only the locusts have a few months to change their lives.
Comparison of Grasshopper and Locust
Although grasshopper and locust are often confused with each other, each is a very specific insect species. Interestingly, locusts are already part of the grasshopper family, but there are several differences from it.
There are currently about 11,000 known species of grasshoppers in the world, while there are only 19 species of locusts.
Check out the table below for some of the key differences.
| Grasshoppers | Locust | |
|---|---|---|
| The size | Approximately 2 inches long | Approximately 2-3 inches long |
| Life span | 1 year | 3-6 months |
| Colors | Green, olive, brown, yellow and red | Green, black and brown (depending on population) |
| Number of species | 11000 different types | 19 different species (they all belong to the grasshopper family) |
6 main differences between grasshoppers and locusts
When it comes to grasshopper and locust, most people end up using these phrases interchangeably. There is nothing wrong with them – they belong to the same insect family, have a similar physique and even have similar colors. However, there are a few more ways to find out which one is in your backyard.
Grasshopper vs. Locust: Bigger Bodies
Among all locust and grasshopper species, locusts are usually smaller in size. Although the average locust size is slightly larger, there are also significantly fewer species that round off this average size. In addition, when swarms form, the female locust becomes smaller.
Grasshopper vs. Locust: Swarming Around
If you don’t have locusts and grasshoppers side by side, you still might not know which one is which. Typically, locusts can thrive as solitary insects or as part of a flock, depending on their population density. As long as the population is small, they will act like grasshoppers – regardless. When the population is high, locusts prefer to live in flocks.
Grasshoppers, however, do not usually gather in swarms unless their serotonin levels increase, causing them to behave and physiologically change to the same behavior as the locust.
Grasshopper versus locust: a great appetite
Despite the fact that these creatures are quite small, they still have a constant diet. Locusts require a lot of food to maintain their small bodies, and they will eat their weight in vegetation such as leaves, flowers, fruits, seeds, and stems. Their diet consists entirely of green plants, although in a pinch they will also feed on dead grasshoppers. If the locusts are part of a flock, the group can eat as many as 10 elephants.
The grasshopper will eat almost any plant or vegetable available, and they are nowhere near as picky. Their stomach contains a special enzyme that will break down everything, even if it contains dead and dry leaves. In addition, they eat much more than locusts, reaching 16 times their own weight.
Grasshopper versus locust: natural habitat
Your location is probably a good indicator of what kind of insect you are dealing with. Locusts are common in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. During periods of low activity, there are about 30 districts in these regions. However, when a massive swarm emerges, there are 60 countries in the area that are most prone to spawning. In those days, they covered about 20% of the Earth’s surface.
Grasshoppers are much less picky about their habitat. They can grow anywhere from mountains to rainforests, grasslands to savannas. Some species of grasshoppers even live near water.
Grasshopper versus locust: defense mechanisms
Since these insects are quite small and come from the same family, some of the defense mechanisms they use are the same. With their long legs, everyone’s first impulse is to jump back when disguise with their surroundings isn’t working. If they cannot get away, they use their body to release various fluids.
The grasshopper is one of many species that use protective regurgitation as their primary form of defense. This release gives off a bad taste in their predator’s mouth or sometimes odor. Locusts, on the other hand, release more aggressive toxins.
Grasshopper vs. Locust: Flying Insects
Not all insects can fly, and the grasshopper falls into this category. The only way to get around is to jump. But locusts were more fortunate. Thanks to their wings, they can fly wherever they need to, which prevents them from jumping. In fact, it is this flight that makes them swarm so intimidating for many people.
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