Abstract
During long-term studies of the numbers of non-swarming C. terminifera, it was
noted frequently that sudden changes in distribution and population densities occurred
after storms. In most instances no flight was observed during the day rain fell or on
the following day, but light trapping revealed considerable flight activity on nights
after storms.
Examples of night flight and associated changes in density are presented. It seems
possible that C. terminifera requires higher humidities than those generally prevailing
in the areas where it occurs, in order to undertake sustained flights. Hence there is an
association between storms and night flights. The temperature threshold for flight is
approximately 70�F.
The airspeed of free flying C. terminifera in still air is 10 ft/sec and it is suggested
that at night, in the absence of visual clues from the ground, flying locusts are likely
to drift downwind at wind speeds well below their own airspeed.
Drift of night-flying locusts in the air flowing behind fronts or flight activity
in the zone of more humid air flowing from convective thunderstorms to places beyond
the areas of rain are suggested to account for the occurrence of higher numbers of
locusts in areas where rain has fallen.
Subject
Animal Science and Zoology,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Cited by
45 articles.
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