Science

Locusts are fascinating insects that can dramatically change their color, body shape, and behavior based on population density. When isolated, they are typically green or brown and lead solitary lives. However, when their population increases and resources become scarce, they undergo a remarkable transformation known as the gregarious phase. In this phase, they become more social, develop bright colors (often black and yellow), and swarm in huge numbers, causing widespread destruction to crops and vegetation as they search for food. This ability to switch behaviors is due to chemical signals in their nervous system triggered by increased touch from other locusts.