# Migratory Locust (*Melanoplus sanguinipes atlanis*)

Migratory Locusts are special grasshoppers that travel in big groups. They can eat a lot of plants, which makes them very interesting!

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 2/5 · Low
- **Habitat:** Open fields and grasslands
- **Also known as:** Swarming Locust

![Migratory Locust](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426389/objects/5530.jpg)

## Appearance

The Migratory Locust is typically mottled brown to greenish-yellow with powerful hind legs for jumping. It has short antennae and clear, veined wings. Its robust body and overall brownish coloration help it blend into dry grassland environments.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Orthoptera
- **Family:** Acrididae
- **Genus:** Melanoplus

## Interesting facts

- A locust's ears are on its belly, not its head! Wow!
- Female locusts can lay hundreds of eggs underground!
- These insects can fly for several days without landing!
- They can jump up to 20 times their own body length!

## Special abilities

- **Distant Journey Wings:** Migratory Locust has strong wings that help them fly many kilometers during seasonal migrations.
- **Versatile Plant Eater:** Migratory Locust can consume a wide variety of plants, helping them find food in different habitats.

## Measurements & details

- **Wingspan:** 40-70 mm
- **Size:** 20-35 mm
- **Lifespan:** 30-70 days
- **Flight Speed:** 15 km/h
- **Leg Count:** 6
- **Colony Size:** 1000000

## Diet & Feeding

These hungry insects munch on many kinds of plants, often causing big damage.

- **Primary Foods:** grasses, wheat, corn, alfalfa, leafy plants
- **Foraging Method:** Foraging

## Ecological connections

- **Eaten by:** [American Kestrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-kestrel) (*Falco sparverius*) — A common bird predator
- **Eaten by:** [Coyote](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coyote) (*Canis latrans*) — An opportunistic mammal predator
- **Eats:** [Wheat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/wheat) (*Triticum aestivum*) — A major food crop

## Traits

- [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
- [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
- [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
- [Migratory](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/migratory): Migratory animals undertake seasonal movements from one region to another, typically in response to changes in climate or food availability.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)
- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects-and-bugs)

## Safety

**Danger:** 2/5 · Low

Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Migratory Locust?

Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### What is Migratory Locust's wingspan?

40-70 mm

### How big is Migratory Locust?

20-35 mm

### How long does Migratory Locust live?

30-70 days

### How fast can Migratory Locust fly?

15 km/h

### What does Migratory Locust eat?

These hungry insects munch on many kinds of plants, often causing big damage.

### Where is Migratory Locust usually found?

Open fields and grasslands

### How does Migratory Locust hunt?

Foraging

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Migratory Locust: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/migratory-locust)