Giant red-winged locust

The Giant red-winged locust (Tropidacris collaris) is a prominent member of the Romaleidae family within the order Orthoptera. Widely distributed across South America, this species is recognized for its significant size and vibrant coloration, which distinguishes it from many other locust species found in temperate regions.

This pest is known for its polyphagous nature, meaning it feeds on a broad variety of plant species. Significant economic damage is often observed in commercial plantations, including bananas, citrus fruits, cocoa, and various woody ornamental plants. Because of its large body size, the daily consumption rate per individual is substantial, posing a risk to both agricultural and forestry sectors.

The life cycle follows a hemimetabolous pattern, consisting of eggs, several nymphal instars, and adults. Eggs are typically deposited into the soil by females. Upon hatching, the nymphs begin feeding immediately on available foliage. As they molt and grow through their stages, their dietary requirements increase significantly, leading to faster degradation of the host plants.

The damage caused by Tropidacris collaris involves the intensive defoliation of trees and shrubs. When occurring in groups, these locusts can strip a plant bare within a very short period, destroying leaves, tender stems, and even stripping bark from young twigs. This severe herbivory leads to reduced plant vigor, stunted growth, and heavy financial losses for growers.

Strategic management of this pest requires a combination of vigilance and timely intervention. Recommended control strategies include:

• Monitoring fields during the early nymphal stages to prevent widespread outbreaks.
• Applying target-specific insecticides on localized clusters of nymphs.
• Preserving natural predators, such as birds and parasitoid wasps, that regulate population density.
• Implementing cultural practices, such as soil tillage in identified breeding areas to expose and destroy egg pods.