Schistocerca piceifrons (Walker) (Orthoptera: Acrididae), the swarming locust of tropical America: a review

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Abstract
Schistocerca piceifrons (Wlk.) is the swarming locust of tropical America. It has until recently been confused with closely related species and has usually been misidentified as S. paranensis (Burm.). The biological information that can definitely be attributed to this species is reviewed and is supplemented with some original observations. The invasion area of the locust includes Mexico, Central America, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Ecuador and Peru. Permanent populations are known from the Yuc´tan Peninsula, northern Honduras, the Pacific coast of Central America and the highlands of Peru. There are two subspecies, S. piceifrons piceifrons, known from Mexico and Central America, and S. piceifrons peruviana Lynch Arrib., from Peru. S. piceifrons exhibits phase polymorphism in nymphal colouration and adult morphometrics. The femur length/maximum head width (F/C) ratio is most effective in separating the phases. There are two generations a year. Immature adults of the second generation survive the dry season. Its habitat is subclimax mosaic communities in areas where the natural vegetation is dry tropical woodland. Plagues are believed to have originated when swarms formed in the permanent breeding areas. Records of susceptible crops and natural enemies are given, and the behaviour of hopper bands is described.