Phase change in desert locust Schistocerca gregaria (Forskal, 1775) (Orthoptera; Cyrtacanthacridinae) : An update research

Phase change in desert locust from solitary to gregarious is caused by environmental stress through epigenetics This character will be appeared reversibly at maximum duration of three generations. Population increase, shortage of plant hosts, and habitat destruction in solitary habitats are stressful factors. Changes in epigenetic factors cause molecular changes in endoplasmic reticulum and DNA methylation of cells. Perception of environmental stress is accompanied by hormonal change and epigenetic effects on insects and producing gregarious phase.  This process is reversible and can change the initial gregarious phase formation into solitary again in ideal habitats. Among the 319 metabolites, only carnitine and its Acyl derivatives are responsible for phenotypic polymorphism during phase change. Regarding the effect of stress factors in the permanent habitats of the solitary phase, it is best to concentrate our research on these habitats and causes of locust outbreak during their change from solitary to gregarious phase. It is hoped that this article acquaint Iranian researchers with newly published work on the phase change of desert locust.