Grasshoppers on a monster mission: How a protein controls swarm formation!

Grasshoppers on a monster mission: How a protein controls swarm formation!

On March 9, 2025, new scientific findings emerge about the behavior of locusts and their impact on food security. Known for operating in large swarms, desert locusts have the potential to impact the food supply of an estimated one in ten people. These findings were gained through research by the Cluster of Excellence “Collective Behavior” at the University of Konstanz, which was carried out during a locust plague in East Africa in 2020.

A key finding of these studies is the emergence of locust swarms. These form when flightless young animals group together and actively march to new pastures. The key to controlling these pests lies in understanding movement within the swarm. Traditionally, models of the collective movements of animals were based on the concept of “self-propelled particles”. These assume that animals orientate themselves on the direction of movement of their neighbors. But research shows that this assumption is not true.

New behavior model of locusts

The results published in the scientific journal Science refute the classic models. Grasshoppers do not orientate themselves on the movement directions of their fellow species. Instead, their group formation follows a new cognitive model based on coherent visual sensory impressions. Experiments within virtual reality environments showed that the locusts did not follow the direction, but rather a frontal approach to one of the two virtual swarms. This suggests that the quality of visual information is crucial for their movement decisions.

Additionally, the studies found that grasshoppers should be viewed as cognitive subjects that actively perceive their surroundings. This understanding could not only enable better strategies to contain locust swarms, but also find relevance in areas such as robotics and artificial intelligence.

The influence of environmental factors on flock behavior

In parallel to these research results, there are findings about the factors that lead to swarm formation. Migratory locusts are usually solitary creatures that eat specific plants. However, in times of drought when food supplies are limited, their behavior changes dramatically. A European team of researchers has discovered that a particular protein known as kinase A triggers locust social behavior. This results in increased activity, a change in color to red, and the formation of huge swarms capable of clearing large areas.

These changes can happen within a few hours as the animals, motivated by hunger and frustration, search for new pastures. Research also shows that even a certain dose of the protein can trigger the formation of swarming behavior. Strategies aimed at blocking this protein could therefore be helpful in preventing future plagues and thus improving food security in affected regions.

In summary, the current research at the University of Konstanz and the accompanying studies illustrate the complexity and dynamics of locust swarming behavior. These findings could not only transform the understanding of locust plagues, but also have far-reaching implications for the management of such ecological challenges.

For more in-depth information on the locust plagues and the mechanisms behind them, visit the articles from University of Konstanz, Science.de and other comprehensive studies.