Hatching and control of Australian plague locusts
Summary
Egg development and hatching is influenced by temperature and moisture conditions. Eggs laid in spring and summer behave differently to eggs laid in autumn.
For eggs laid in autumn, their development slows as it gets colder. As temperatures drop below about 15°C, development is halted.
The majority of eggs laid in autumn during March and April go into a diapause phase where they remain dormant and only resume development in late winter.
Hatching occurs when embryos are fully developed and days are warm enough to encourage them to climb to the surface. Once development is complete then hatching can commence in as little as a few days.
Because egg development is temperature controlled, locusts will hatch firstly in the north and west of the state.
Topics covered in this Primefact include:
- What influences hatching dates?
- Locust development
- Control methods
- Landholder responsibilities
- Harvest issues
