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Department of Agriculture

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  1. Home
  2. Biosecurity and trade
  3. Pests, diseases and weeds
  4. Locusts
  5. Australian locusts
  6. Locust and grasshopper identification guide
  7. Description of nymphs
  8. 1. Australian Plague Locust: Chortoicetes terminifera (nymph)

Sidebar first - Pests diseases weeds

  • Description of nymphs
    • 1. Australian Plague Locust: Chortoicetes terminifera (nymph)
    • 2. Spur-throated locust: Austracris guttulosa (nymph)
    • 3. Migratory locust: Locusta migratoria (nymph)
    • 4. Small plague grasshopper: Austroicetes cruciata (nymph)
    • 5. Other Austroicetes species (nymph)
    • 6. Eastern plague grasshopper: Oedaleus australis (nymph)
    • 7. Yellow winged locust: Gastrimargus musicus (nymph)
    • 8. Bermius brachycelus and other Bermius species (nymph)
    • 9. Giant or Hedge grasshopper: Valanga irregularis (nymph)
    • 10. Heteropternis obscurella (nymph)
    • 11. Peakesia hospita and other species (nymph)
    • 12. Urnisa guttulosa (nymph)
    • 13. Aiolopus thalassinus (nymph)
    • 14. Caledia captiva (nymph)
    • 15. Wingless grasshopper: Phaulacridium vittatum (nymph)

1. Australian Plague Locust: Chortoicetes terminifera (nymph)

​Nymph description 1 of 15

Graphic: photo of a 5th stage Australian plague locust nymph - note 'X' mark on top of thorax.

Distribution

Graphic: Distribution map - mainly inland Australia, rare in far north and coastal areas.

Nymph Description: Colour more commonly brown but can be green. From above the thorax has a similar 'X' mark to the adult. In early instars the hind part of the 'X' is more pronounced. The rear leg femur has distinct bands, seen as 3 light and 3 dark from above in early instars, or 3 light and 2 dark in later ones. From the side the bands are at 90 degrees across the femur. The rear tibia is dark except for a light band at the top. From the side the rest of the body has general mottling rather than distinct patterns.

Confusion with other nymphs: Austroicetes share some of the same features. A. cruciata can also form bands during outbreaks but it is found only in the southern and more arid parts of the plague locust distribution. Compare photo with nymphs of similar species: | Austroicetes | Aiolopus | Caledia | Heteropternis | Oedaleus | Peakesia | Urnisa |

Unique features: The combination of the 'X' mark on top of the thorax with general mottling, transverse bands on the femur and a dark tibia with a light band at the top distinguish them from most other nymphs. Forms into dense aggregations, called bands, when numbers are high.

Further information on this species: Description of adult, More images, Distribution, Biology 

| Next species |

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Last updated: 04 November 2019

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We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.