Red-spined tree locust

Systematic position. The red-spined tree locust (Anacridium rubrispinum) belongs to the order Orthoptera, family Acrididae. Unlike many other grasshopper species that inhabit grasslands, this insect is specifically adapted to arboreal environments, living and feeding primarily on trees and woody shrubs.

Biology and life cycle. The species undergoes hemimetabolous development, consisting of the egg, nymph, and adult stages. Females lay their eggs in the soil near woody plants. Nymphs pass through several developmental instars, characterized by voracious feeding behavior, before reaching the winged adult stage, which is capable of long-distance flight and active dispersal.

Host plants and damage. This pest primarily targets fruit trees, citrus groves, and various ornamental plantations. Using their robust mandibles, both nymphs and adults consume large portions of leaf tissue. In instances of high population density, these locusts can cause severe defoliation, stripping branches of leaves and affecting the overall vigor of the host plant.

Economic impact. The red-spined tree locust is considered an agricultural pest due to its ability to cause significant economic losses in orchards. Continuous feeding leads to the reduction of photosynthetic capacity, which directly results in lower fruit yields and poor quality of harvest. Furthermore, damaged tissues are more susceptible to secondary infections by pathogens.

Protection measures. Managing populations of Anacridium rubrispinum requires a combination of monitoring and intervention:

• Regular orchard inspections to detect the presence of nymphs early in the season.
• Application of selective insecticides during the early nymphal stages to prevent maturation.
• Proper cultural practices, including maintaining healthy, well-pruned tree canopies.
• Encouraging populations of natural predators like birds and parasitic wasps to regulate locust numbers.