Locusts, commonly known as grasshoppers, have been a significant agricultural threat for centuries. Historically, swarms of locusts have led to severe famine and economic devastation. These insects belong to the order Orthoptera and are one of the oldest chewing herbivores on Earth.
Locust plagues are a global phenomenon and extremely difficult to control. Once a locust outbreak occurs, it can result in severe food shortages and economic collapse. But which locust species are the most destructive? Here, we explore the top 10 most devastating locust species that continue to threaten global food security.
1. Desert Locust
Most Destructive & Highly Migratory The Desert Locust is widely regarded as the most destructive locust species in the world. It is an aggressive, migratory pest known for its devastating impact on agriculture. Native to Africa, this species has caused locust plagues for centuries. 
During major outbreaks, their swarms can cover entire continents, affecting 57 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean coast, spanning an area of 29 million square kilometers. The damage is staggering—just one square kilometer of locusts can consume as much food as 35,000 people in a single day!
2. Asian Migratory Locust
A Devastating Agricultural Pest in Asia In China and Southeast Asia, the Asian Migratory Locust has been the most notorious locust species, frequently causing agricultural disasters.
Historical records indicate that this locust has been responsible for devastating locust plagues, particularly in the Yellow River Delta. Between 1100 BCE and 1950, an outbreak occurred roughly every 2-3 years, with major disasters every 5-7 years.
These locusts have a strong preference for grain crops, including wheat, corn, rice, millet, and sorghum. When a large swarm forms, they consume nearly all vegetation, posing a serious threat to food security.
3. Moroccan Locust
A Major Threat in the Mediterranean Region The Moroccan Locust is among the most destructive locust species in North Africa, Southern Europe, and parts of the Middle East.
Although these locusts typically exist in small numbers, they can rapidly multiply and form massive swarms that cause significant damage to crops. In Afghanistan, severe Moroccan locust outbreaks have wiped out wheat crops, leading to worsening food crises.
Given its high reproductive rate and rapid expansion, this species remains a top concern for locust control programs.
4. Italian Locust
A Major Pest in Europe and China The Italian Locust is a primary agricultural pest in Europe and Northern China. In China, it is most commonly found in Xinjiang, Inner Mongolia, and Gansu, where it inhabits desert and semi-desert regions.
This locust species prefers to feed on grass species like Artemisia and Poaceae, but it will also attack wheat crops. During an outbreak, Italian locusts have been known to devastate entire agricultural regions, leading to widespread economic loss.
5. Tibetan Locust
A Threat to High-Altitude Agriculture One of the most significant locust species in China is the Tibetan Locust, which mainly inhabits Tibet, Qinghai, and Sichuan at high altitudes.
This species poses a major threat to barley, oats, and pastureland. Unlike other locusts, Tibetan locusts thrive in colder climates, making them particularly dangerous in highland farming regions. The long hatching period and rapid population growth make them a significant challenge for pest control measures.
6. Yellow-Spined Bamboo Locust
A Major Forestry Pest in China The Yellow-Spined Bamboo Locust, also known as the Bamboo Locust, is one of the most damaging forestry pests in China.
This locust species primarily attacks bamboo forests, particularly affecting Moso Bamboo, Phyllostachys, and Water Bamboo. During an outbreak, entire bamboo forests are stripped bare, resembling a fire-ravaged landscape.
If left unchecked, affected bamboo forests experience 2-3 years of poor growth and complete ecological degradation.
7. Siberian Locust
A Serious Threat to Pastureland The Siberian Locust is a major pest in Siberia, Mongolia, and China. This locust species primarily feeds on grasslands, including ryegrass, wild oats, and wheatgrass.
When a locust outbreak occurs, livestock grazing areas are destroyed, leading to widespread food shortages for cattle and sheep. In severe cases, entire herds starve due to a lack of available forage.
8. Chinese Rice Locust
A Devastating Pest for Rice and Corn The Chinese Rice Locust is one of the most harmful locust species for rice, maize, and sorghum in China, India, and Southeast Asia.
These locusts primarily attack wetland crops, consuming leaves, stems, and even developing grains. In severe outbreaks, rice fields appear completely barren, causing massive crop losses.
9. Asian Locust
One of the Most Destructive Agricultural Locusts The Asian Locust is a highly migratory and aggressive species found across China, Russia, and Central Asia. It primarily feeds on barley, wheat, and maize and has been responsible for numerous historical locust plagues.
Due to their strong flight ability and high reproductive rate, these locusts remain a persistent threat in many regions.
10. Cotton Locust
A Major Threat to Cotton & Fruit Crops The Cotton Locust is a serious pest affecting cotton, fruit trees, and vegetable crops. It is commonly found in India, China, and parts of Africa.
This locust species feeds on leaves, flowers, and stems, causing significant damage to cotton production and economic losses for farmers.
Final Thoughts: The Ongoing Battle Against Locusts
Locust outbreaks remain one of the biggest threats to global agriculture. These pests can wipe out entire crops, leading to food shortages and economic devastation. Effective monitoring and control strategies are crucial to minimizing their impact. With ongoing climate change, the risk of locust plagues may increase, making early detection and intervention more critical than ever.
