Definition

Noun: * Migratory locust: A species of short-horned grasshopper (Locusta migratoria) known for its ability to form massive, destructive swarms that migrate over long distances, consuming large areas of vegetation. It is historically significant in the Old World (Africa, Asia, Europe, and Australia).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The desert locust is a major pest, but the Locusta migratoria has also caused historic famines.
  • Scientists are studying the phase change in Locusta migratoria that triggers swarming behavior.
  • An outbreak of Locusta migratoria can strip fields bare in a matter of hours.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific Context: The name is used precisely in entomology and agricultural science to refer to this specific species, distinguishing it from other locusts like the desert locust ().
  • The research paper focused on the genetic markers of Locusta migratoria.

Variants and Related Words

• Migratory locust: The common English name for .
• Locust (noun): The general term for several species of short-horned grasshoppers that exhibit swarming behavior. is one specific type of locust.

Synonyms

• Migratory locust
• Swarming grasshopper (less specific)

Related Phrases

• Locust swarm: A large, moving group of locusts, which is the primary destructive form of .
  • The country braced for the arrival of a locust swarm of Locusta migratoria.

Noun

1. Old World locust that travels in vast swarms stripping large areas of vegetation