Reproductive performance of the African migratory locust,Locusta migratoria migratorioides(Orthoptera: Acrididae), in a cereal crop environment in South Africa

Abstract The reproductive performance of the African migratory locust,Locusta migratoria migratorioides(Reiche & Fairmaire), was assessed in a cereal crop environment on the temperate Highveld of South Africa. Of the two principal crops involved on the Highveld, maize realized the highest reproductive potential during summer, wheat was successfully utilized for breeding in spring. The combined effects of food and temperature were the main factors influencing seasonal variation in clutch size. Green food was essential for continued reproduction, oviposition ceased for three to four months during winter when food resources deteriorated and was resumed in spring. Although locust size was shown to decrease significantly in early winter, this did not influence fecundity. The effects of egg resorption, female age and phase on clutch size are outlined. Despite the more adverse climate of the Highveld, the migratory locust realized higher individual natality in the cereal crop environment than that recorded previously and consequently achieved outstanding reproductive success in this alternative habitat.