How to determine which growth stage a locust nymph is in

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How to determine which growth stage a locust nymph is in

The following diagrams show how to determine which growth stage (instar) a locust or grasshopper nymph is in based on key characteristics of the developing wings (adapted from: Baker G. L.,1984 by permission from NSW Department of Primary Industries).

Instar

Wing development

 Key characteristics
First
  • no obvious wing buds
  • direction of growth downwards
  • 1st segment narrower than 2nd
Second
  • both wing buds of equal width
  • 2nd segment shorter than 1st
  • rudimentary wing bud at base of segments
Third
  • wing buds angle backwards and distinctly spade-shaped
Fourth


  • wing buds flip and inner surface now becomes outer surface
  • 2nd wing bud largely conceals 1st and is ca 1/3 length of abdomen
Fifth
  • 2nd wing bud obscures 1st and is ca 1/2 half length of abdomen
  • tympanic organ (ear) obscured by wing

Note: the nymphs of some species of locusts and grasshoppers have more than 5 growth stages (eg the spur-throated locust). However, in these species, the wing buds consistently flip upwards in the penultimate instar and the additional instars resemble instars 2 and 3 as shown above.



Last reviewed: 24 Jul 2007
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