Schistocerca gregaria

Schistocerca gregaria, commonly known as the desert locust, is a highly mobile pest insect found in Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia. It can form large swarms that travel vast distances, devastating crops and threatening food security. These locusts undergo a special behavioral change called gregarization, where they become more social and form huge groups, especially during favorable environmental conditions like rain. Their ability to reproduce rapidly and migrate long distances makes them a significant challenge for farmers and governments managing agricultural resources.