Locust is an insect that lives in almost all corners of our planet (except for very cold regions), it combines into huge flocks and causes irreparable damage to agriculture. West Africa is most affected by locust invasions.
The threat of locust invasion there is considered very seriously. Of the twelve thousand species, only desert locusts do the greatest harm to humans. They are afraid of her because of her special voracity and ability to destroy everything in a row. Locust invasions are found in the Qur'an, the Bible, and by ancient Egyptian authors. In a few days, locusts can ruin the harvest of a small state and cause hunger.
The difference between locusts and grasshoppers
In appearance, the locust looks like a grasshopper; it really is its close relative. Grasshoppers are omnivorous and can be predators, here are grasshoppers. Locusts lead either a solitary way of life and then it is harmless, or flock in this case, it scares with its appetite. In a pack, they change their appearance - the color is darker, body weight increases, individuals become more aggressive.
Why do locusts gather in packs?
It used to be that locusts go on such feats because of hunger. Nevertheless, the facts refute this point of view, the locust gets into a flock even when it would seem that there is enough greenery and there is no drought. But, on the other hand, the scientists noticed that during the migrations the locust lays eggs, and the flock of locusts hatch from them.
To solve this riddle, British scientists divided the experimental insects into three groups.The first group was fed a large amount of protein, the second where the protein and everything else were equally divided, the third group was given the minimum amount of protein. The experiment lasted more than three days, after which, scientists began to watch the behavior of insects. It turned out that the insects of the first group continued to lead a solitary lifestyle, in the second group the same thing. And now, the third group began to gather in a flock, their color changed, they became more aggressive. Lack of protein foods makes locust flocks gather.
When all three groups were brought together in one territory, insects from the third group (in which there was not enough protein) began to pounce on their relatives. In turn, representatives of the first and second groups began to run away from them. Moreover, to save the first and second groups also united in a flock, enlarged and embittered.
How to get rid of locust raids?
This discovery has helped people solve the problem. No more watering vast territories with all kinds of poisons, you just need to carefully monitor the insects and as soon as they begin protein starvation (that is, individuals of a darker color and size begin to appear), you just need to sprinkle artificial protein bait. Then the crops will remain intact.
Locust benefit
But besides the fact that the locust is harmful, it is also suitable for food. In some countries this is a delicacy, while in others it is daily food. For example, the Chinese are very fond of fried locusts on sticks, the Greeks love the locusts in honey, in Mexico, the Aboriginal favorite delicacy is fried locusts in a fresh tortilla, in the restaurants of Western countries the locusts are an expensive delicacy.
Scientists have proved that grasshoppers, crickets and locusts contain a huge amount of protein and protein, they can well replace the meat on the table. Locust is a diet high in calcium, phosphorus, vitamins and low in fat. Locusts can simply be fried or dried. When using these insects, make sure that they are not from the fields, but from special terrariums where they were grown without pesticides and all kinds of chemicals.
