Carlota – AnimalWorld

Locusts are not harmful to humans. They can pinch without breaking skin. Locusts eat plants, not people. Locusts occur in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. They damage crops but don’t carry disease. Locust swarms contain billions of insects. They can destroy agriculture in a region. Historically locusts caused famines. Modern pesticides help control them. Their swarms are less devastating today. Some people eat locusts. Locusts are nutritious with 50% protein. But pesticides make eating locusted locusts risky.

Is locust a cicada?

Locusts and cicadas are two different insects. Locusts swarm; cicadas spend time above ground in large numbers.

Locusts are grasshoppers that reach adulthood. Wet weather increases their numbers. Subsequent dry weather then forces them together. Their frequent touching causes swarming.

Cicadas belong to a different order from locusts. Cicadas live longer than locusts. Locusts swarm destructively. Cicadas do not.

Locusts and cicadas differ physically. But both can fly noisily in groups. Neither threatens humans.

Cicadas suck fluids from trees. Locusts chew the plants they eat. Cicadas emerge after years underground. Locusts live just months.

Colonists called cicadas “locusts.” Cicadas seemed locust-like. True locusts were known as biblical pests. The name stuck incorrectly.

Locusts are grasshoppers. Cicadas are cousins to crickets. This confusion has lasted since colonists first saw cicadas.

Locusts live in grasslands. Cicadas live elsewhere. Locusts swarm destructively. Cicadas do not.

Why are locusts a problem?

Locusts have been feared by people for centuries. Swarms cause destruction as they arrive in large groups. Their “plagues” refer to agricultural damage not diseases. You won’t see locusts in the US, but similar insects may invade like cicadas.

Locusts live and breed in semi-arid areas and deserts. They need bare land to lay eggs so deserts like Rajasthan are perfect, away from vegetation. After eggs hatch the nymphs feed on plants to grow into adults. Deserts lack enough vegetation to support large locust populations. So they move to plains where crops allow populations to boom.

A swarm the size of Paris eats as much in a day as half of France. Numbers could grow 500 times by June. They fly 150km daily. The main threat is the rate they consume crops.

To stop locusts, FAO recommends a fungus that kills by growing inside them. Trenches around egg-laid areas trap flightless young. Garlic and neem oil repel them but must be reapplied. Initially in mid 2020 Rajasthan had over 30% crop damage from locusts. But data was preliminary.

Locusts live and breed in semi-arid or desert regions as they require bare ground rarely found in dense vegetation. While green vegetation aids hopper development, deserts lack enough to allow large populations. When food is scarce, solitary grasshoppers interact and form swarms that migrate and ravage crops.

Swarms have devastated since ancient Egypt. Over 60 countries are susceptible. Desert locusts are grasshoppers that can migrate far differently than others. An animal locust’s harm is from migrating swarms. Farmers use biological controls like fungi, trenches, and oils. But reapplication is needed. Despite early reports, India’s crop damage from locusts remains uncertain.

How does a grasshopper become a locust?

Locusts are grasshoppers that change when they have high densities. They damage crops. Locusts are often called grasshoppers incorrectly. Locusts become gregarious externally and swarm. Locusts and grasshoppers differ. When supplies are scarce, solitary grasshoppers interact and become locusts, changing color. Locusts swarm and attack crops. Locusts are grasshoppers that crowd and change. The change is “density-dependent phenotypic plasticity.” What chemical changes grasshoppers to locusts? Grasshoppers help the environment. Their droppings act as fertilizer. Also they provide food. Wings and bodies differ between locusts and grasshoppers. Locusts allow for long flights. Bodies are smaller. At best, measures prevent locusts reaching particular areas but not swarms. Color changes when migrating. Locusts and grasshoppers are the same. Crowding triggers changes. Contact releases pheromone triggering change. Physiological changes then occur. Wings, behavior, bodies differ between them. In North America plowing and trampling likely caused demise. When scarce, solitary grasshoppers interact, change color and form crops-attacking swarms. Swarms are in East Africa but spreading. Abundance triggers change from grasshopper to gregarious crop-eater. Locusts become grasshoppers after a parasite. Locusts do not bite. When scarce, solitary grasshoppers interact and change color, forming swarm. In 2020 they swarmed many countries. Locusts currently live in Africa, Asia, Americas and Australia.

In captivity, Senegal parrots can live over 30 years. Some individuals live into their 40s or 50s. Their lifespan depends on diet, environment, and health. In the wild, they live around 25 years.

Senegal parrots are small, weighing 120 to 170 grams. They have a relatively large head and short, wide tail feathers. Their plumage is mostly green. They have a gray head, yellow underparts, and an orange “vest” on the chest. The tail has a blue tip.

Many people like Senegal parrots as pets because they are affordable and easy to handle. However, they can live over 30 years. So getting one is a long commitment, longer than for dogs or cats.

In the wild, Senegal parrots eat fruit, seeds, and buds. As pets they eat a variety of foods. With proper diet and care, some live to 50 years. But that is rare.

Senegal parrots make various loud, screeching noises. They can learn to mimic whistles but are not the best at imitating human speech. They tend to bond only with their owner. Socializing them young helps them interact with more people.

Can Senegal parrots be left alone?

Senegal parrots require time, patience, and attention. They are very social creatures, and do not do well alone for long periods. It is important to have time to devote to interaction with Senegal parrots.

Senegal parrots are very social creatures. They do not do well alone for long periods. If you work long hours or are frequently away, a Senegal parrot may not be the right pet. Senegal parrots need a large cage and plenty of out-of-cage time. Without a lot of space, a Senegal parrot may not be suitable. Caring for Senegal parrots requires a lifetime commitment. They can live over 20 years. They need nutritious food, enrichment, and vet care.

Senegal parrots are quieter. They can learn some words but are not gifted talkers. All parrots may bite when upset or scared. They usually give warning signs first. Parrots bite when frustrated, lonely or bored. Eliminate these by providing toys, space and attention.

In the wild, Senegals live alone or in pairs, or in small flocks. They enjoy human company. Biting and screaming signal boredom and loneliness. Senegals do not like loud noises or chaotic environments.

Senegal parrots live 25-30 years in the wild, and up to 50 years in captivity. Wild caught birds can be tamed into good companions. As long as parrots have food and water, they can be left for extended periods. But they are social and need interaction daily.

Senegals can be shy or bold. Most like attention and enjoy company. Senegals originated in West Africa, named for Senegal. Their playful nature makes them great pets. But their long life requires long-term commitment to their care.

Senegals eat fruits, beans and more. Despite belly color differences, the subspecies share needs and traits. In the wild Senegals live 30-40 years on average. Captive lifespans reach 50 years. All subspecies require similar care.

Can Senegal parrots live with other birds?

The Senegal parrot is a medium-sized parrot resident breeder in West Africa. It makes migrations following the availability of fruit, seeds and blossoms it eats. The V-shape markings on the abdomen are longer in females. The female’s head is smaller than the male’s. Senegals are charming, playful, social flock birds. They are active and should have a good sized cage.

Younger Senegals have brown eyes changing to orange or yellow with maturity. Although quieter than other parrots, they whistle, chatter softly and even screech loudly when excited. They can live up to 50 years in captivity. Senegals are intelligent and can learn some words but are not known for talking ability.

Senegals can be aggressive to other birds so do best alone bonded to their human. They tend to bond with the human they spend the most time with rather than the entire family. And like to spend most of their time with their preferred human. You need to spend at least one to four hours a day providing mental stimulation and training.

Senegals make great pets for beginners as they are easy to care for. They are very friendly birds who love to spend time with their owners showing affection. They are playful and love to explore and interact. Senegals are moderately priced from $200 to $500 depending on where you live.

Can Senegal parrots eat meat?

The Senegal parrot is a resident breeder across west Africa. It makes migrations within west Africa, feeding on fruit, seeds and blossoms. Considered a farm pest, it often feeds on maize or millet. In the pet trade, the nominate subspecies is most common. Senegal parrots are about 23 centimeters long and weigh about 120 to 170 grams. Feathers form a short broad tail.

They eat various seeds, grains, and fruits. Figs and seeds of certain trees are favorites. They also raid drying crops like millet, maize, and peanuts. In captivity feed them pellet mix, fruit and vegetables like apples, cucumbers, carrots and bananas.

These parrots live about 50 years. They learn words and mimic sounds well. Their intelligence allows them to pick up tricks when interacting often. The contrast of the gray head with black eye rings and yellow eyes against the green body is striking.

Are locusts harmful to humans?