Shore locust

Systematic position: Epacromius tergestinus, commonly referred to as the shore locust, is a member of the Acrididae family within the order Orthoptera. This species is widely distributed in steppe ecosystems and is recognized for its preference for habitats with moderate to high soil moisture levels near water bodies or fields.

Affected crops: This insect is primarily a pest of cereal crops, including wheat, barley, and millet. It also thrives in grasslands and alfalfa fields, where it can reach high population densities and compete with livestock for forage, often causing significant economic losses in agricultural regions.

Biology and life cycle: The lifecycle of Epacromius tergestinus is univoltine. The insect survives the winter in the egg stage, buried in the soil. Upon the arrival of spring, nymphs emerge and progress through five instar stages, feeding aggressively on plant tissue. The adult phase typically begins in mid-summer, during which the locusts disperse to seek fresh vegetation.

Damage and economic significance: Both nymphs and adults consume foliage, often resulting in skeletonized leaves. In severe infestations, the locusts can strip entire fields of green biomass, leading to stunted plant growth, reduced grain yield, and in extreme cases, the total destruction of young crop stands, particularly during dry seasons.

Protection measures: Integrated pest management (IPM) is essential to keep populations below the economic injury level:

• Implement deep autumn plowing to disturb and destroy egg pods in the soil.
• Monitor field margins regularly to detect early-stage nymphs.
• Apply targeted insecticide treatments when nymph density exceeds established action thresholds.
• Maintain effective weed control in and around fields to remove alternative food sources.