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Science et changements planétaires / Sécheresse. Volume 7, Number 2, 115-8, Juin 1996, Synthèse

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Author(s) : S. El Bashir

Summary : Results of studies and observations on behavioural, morphological and physiological adaptations which enable the solitarious phase desert locust Schistocerca qregaria (Forskal) to exploit arid and semi-arid environments, conducted in a recession and breeding area on the western Sudanese coast or the Red Sea, between Tokar and Arbaat, are presented. The ability of the desert locust to avoid thermal extremes by taking refuge in appropriate sheltering sites, and loss of water by flying during favourable climatic conditions as well as resorting to unusual behaviour, such as cannibalism, are discussed. The significance of physiological changes which mediate the synthesis of sex pheromone by solitarious femal locusts is highlighted.

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