And while in most cases this is a good thing, it is also a rather favourable factor for locust breeding.

While there has only been a low to moderate background population of the Australian plague locust in the Riverina and other locust breeding regions recently, there is nonetheless a high chance that these adult locusts laid eggs during autumn. This could well result in locust hatchings this spring.

While recent locust numbers have not been high enough to warrant any control measures in the Riverina, it is important that landholders remain vigilant for any potential locust hatchings or adult fly-ins as the weather warms up.

Adult Australian plague locusts measure between 30-50mm, and generally have a brown or green body. They usually have bright red tibia at the base of the legs and a black spot on the tip of the hindwing.

Female locusts generally lay their eggs in egg beds, which are commonly found in areas of hard exposed red soil on tracks around crops, near gateways, on exposed ridges or in areas of undisturbed soil.

When hatching occurs, usually in late spring, the nymphs will go through five developmental stages before their final moult and fledge into adults. This can take between five and eight weeks, depending on weather.

The potential damage caused by locusts can vary due to the surrounding environmental conditions. Locusts have the ability to destroy many annual and perennial crops, and the severity of damage varies with the prevailing season; if the paddocks are green and lush and rainfall has been widespread then usually there are alternative sources of food, which tends to minimise crop damage.

The last time locusts were a major problem throughout the Riverina was in 2010. Before this it was in 2004-05, when there were major nymphal and adult populations throughout eastern Australia.

If you see an increase in locust numbers, or notice any new locust populations, please contact your local Murray Local Land Services (LLS) office.