Spur-throated locust

Description

The spur-throated locust (Austracris guttulosa) is a native Australian locust species in the family Acrididae and a significant agricultural pest. Adult females of A. guttulosa are typically 45-65 millimetres (1.8-2.6 in) long, and adult males are typically 35-45 mm (1.4-1.8 in) long. Adults are pale brown with colourless wings and white and dark markings on the thorax. The hind legs are yellow with two rows of white spines. Juvenile spur-throated locusts are green or yellow. The backs of older juveniles may also show a dark or pale stripe. The spur-throated locust has a life span on between ten and 12 months, from autumn to summer. Overpopulation of spur-throated locusts is managed in Australia by the Australian Plague Locust Commission.