Biology and management of <i>Romalea eques</i> (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

Abstract The lubber grasshopper, Romalea (Taeniopoda) eques (Burmeister) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) is common in desert scrub from southern Arizona, southern New Mexico, and southwest Texas to southern Mexico. This species is very similar to the eastern lubber grasshopper, Romalea microptera (Beauvois), but the 2 species do not overlap geographically. Romalea eques displays a bold color of shiny black with red hind wings, exemplifying aposematic (warning) coloration. The lubber has a wide host range, primarily desert annuals and various shrubs, from which it can sequester or synthesize a variety of toxic chemicals. It also is known to scavenge carcasses. Romalea eques defenses consist of a 2-tiered chemical defense. The first tier is exudation of a stored, noxious fluid that deters most predators. The second tier is a potent internal toxin that elicits vomiting in naïve predators. Experienced predators avoid these lubbers. Given their wide host range, R. eques cause occasional crop damage, especially in northern Mexico. Damage typically is localized. Specific management recommendations have not been developed for R. eques, but recommended treatment for the eastern lubber will likely be equally effective. Because of the large size and detoxification capacity of adult R. eques, insecticides are likely to be ineffective on adults and generally not recommended. Hand-picking and killing lubber adults and nymphs may be effective at low densities. However, several insecticides may be effective against nymphs and treatment, especially toxic baits, focused along the margins of crops or landscaping can prevent lubber nymphs from entering.