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10-Minute Presentation

Systematics, Evolution, and Biodiversity

10-min: SysEB, Invasive Species, Diagnostics, and Pest Control

Diagnostic SNP marker development for the detection and differentiation of the Central American locust, Schistocerca piceifrons, and sister species American bird grasshopper, Schistocerca americana, along the US-Mexico border

Sunday, November 9, 2025
8:48 AM - 9:00 AM Pacific
Location: Oregon Convention Center, E147-148, OCC
Oral Presentation
The Central American Locust (CAL), Schistocerca piceifrons, is a swarming and highly polyphagous migratory pest DISTRIBUTED FROM Mexico and Panama. CAL exhibits density-dependent phase polyphenism whereby local rearing density can dramatically change the behavioral and morphological phenotypes of individuals. Locusts are relatively harmless and inconspicuous at low densities, but become gregarious at high densities and form migratory bands of juveniles and flying swarms of adults that can rapidly threaten agriculture. Due in part to climate change, CAL's distribution is encroaching on the US-Mexico border where CAL swarms have been observed within 150 miles of the border with Texas. A significant challenge to the detection of CAL in southern Texas is the presence of it's morphologically identical but non-swarming sister species, the American bird grasshopper, Schistocerca americana, which is native to the southern US. Further complicating detection is the ability of these sister taxa to produce viable hybrid offspring. To address the challenges of CAL detection and species differentiation, we performed whole genome resequencing of 140 total CAL and S. americana individuals representing geographically distinct regions of their current population distributions to identify diagnostic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Testing and validation of diagnostic SNPs for species differentiation were performed using real-time PCR TaqMan assays on lab and field-collected CAL and S. americana individuals, and lab-derived hybrids from reciprocal crosses. Early and robust detection of CAL in southern Texas will be crucial for developing proper management strategies of this menacing pest should it cross the US border from Mexico.