Summary

Points to check when you think you have found a Desert Locust

1. Check that you have found the specimen in a reasonably likely area (see Figure 1). It should be noted that adult Desert Locusts are sometimes carried out to sea by the wind.

2. If it has wings you have found an adult, check its size, sex and colour with the illustrations on pages 19-25.

3. If it is wingless you have found a hopper, check its size, instar and colour with the illustrations on pages 14-17.

4. There are numerous other species of locusts and grasshoppers which live in the same areas as the Desert Locust. If you are in doubt whether the specimen you have caught is a Desert Locust, send a dried specimen. In the case of adults a single front wing is sufficient.

5. Send your report with as much information about what was seen, when it was seen, where it was seen and who saw it (see pages 27 - 33) to the local locust organization, the local plant protection officer, the local administrative officer or the police, or to the appropriate regional Desert Locust information centre (see pages 35-37) or the Emergency Centre for Locust Operations, FAO.

6. Where appropriate, control measures should be taken using suitable insecticides.