Mediterranean slant-faced grasshopper

The Mediterranean slant-faced grasshopper (Acrida ungarica) belongs to the order Orthoptera and the family Acrididae. This species is easily identified by its elongated, slender body and pointed head, an evolutionary adaptation that provides excellent camouflage within the grass and crop stems where it resides.

This pest primarily targets cereal crops and various grasses. While it often exists in low numbers, outbreaks can lead to significant damage to agricultural lands, particularly in regions where environmental conditions favor its reproduction. Young plants are especially susceptible, as feeding damage can significantly retard their early growth and development.

The life cycle of Acrida ungarica involves three main stages: egg, nymph, and adult. The winter is passed in the egg stage, deposited in egg pods within the soil. As spring temperatures rise, nymphs hatch and begin their feeding cycle. Through several molts, they develop into winged adults capable of dispersal and further propagation across the fields.

Damage to crops involves the consumption of leaves, often starting from the margins and potentially stripping the entire blade, leaving only the veins behind. Significant infestations can lead to partial or total destruction of young seedlings. The resulting physiological stress on the plants reduces their ability to reach full maturity and produce high-quality yields.

Effective management strategies include cultural practices such as deep tillage to destroy egg pods and the maintenance of weed-free field margins to reduce habitats. When monitoring reveals population levels approaching economic thresholds, chemical control using registered insecticides is recommended. The best results are achieved by applying treatments during the early nymphal stages.