Desert locust

Desert locusts might look unassuming on their own—but in a swarm, they’re one of the most destructive insect species on Earth.

In normal conditions, wingless green nymphs hatch in sandy soil, feeding on plants and moulting several times before becoming brown, flying adults. These adults mate, lay eggs, and begin the cycle again.

But when their numbers grow and food becomes scarce, locusts change dramatically. Nymphs develop bold black and yellow markings, become more active, and start to gather in huge groups. This is known as the gregarious phase, or swarming.

Swarming adults are bright yellow and pink with powerful wings, capable of flying vast distances. Together, they can consume entire landscapes of vegetation. While swarming helps protect them from predators, it causes huge damage to crops across parts of Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

At Chester Zoo, desert locusts play an important role in helping us understand how insects adapt to environmental pressures and change their behaviour.