Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026

10:07
Construction of Homozygous Mutants of Migratory Locust Using CRISPR/Cas9 Technology
Published on: March 16, 2022
2.6K
Influence of Phase Change on Parthenogenesis in the Migratory Locust: A Behavioral Analysis
Rongjing Li1, Xuelei Wei1, Liwei Zhang1
1College of Grassland Science and Technology, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China.
Insects
|September 27, 2025
Summary
Solitary migratory locusts show higher parthenogenesis capacity than gregarious ones. However, parthenogenesis yields lower hatching rates than sexual reproduction in these destructive agricultural pests.
Area of Science:
- Entomology
- Reproductive Biology
- Insect Pest Management
Background:
- The migratory locust (Locusta migratoria) is a significant agricultural pest.
- Phase polyphenism (phase change) is a key characteristic of migratory locusts.
- Parthenogenesis, reproduction without fertilization, is less understood in locusts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between parthenogenesis and phase change in migratory locusts.
- To compare the parthenogenesis capacity of solitary versus gregarious locust phases.
- To explore factors influencing parthenogenesis in gregarious locusts.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of oviposition quantity and hatching rates between solitary and gregarious locust phases.
- Assessment of parthenogenesis in isolated gregarious locusts based on juvenile density.
- Comparison of hatching rates between parthenogenetic and sexually fertilized females.
Main Results:
- Solitary locusts demonstrated higher parthenogenesis capacity (more eggs, higher hatching rates) than gregarious locusts.
- Parthenogenesis resulted in significantly lower hatching rates compared to sexual reproduction.
- Isolated gregarious locusts showed increased parthenogenetic capacity, influenced by juvenile density.
Conclusions:
- Phase change in migratory locusts influences their capacity for parthenogenesis.
- Parthenogenesis in locusts is less efficient than sexual reproduction.
- Understanding these mechanisms can inform pest management strategies.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Migration
8.8K
Migration is long-range, seasonal movement from one region or habitat to another. This common strategy, carried out by many different organisms around the world, is an adaptive response that typically corresponds to changes in an organism’s environment, like resource availability or climate. Migrations can involve huge groups of thousands of animals as well as single individuals traveling alone and can range from thousands of kilometers to just a few hundred meters.
8.8K
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
7.4K
Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
7.4K

