It is possible that the photos are Chromacris peruviana (Pictet & Saussure 1887) or a closely related Chromacris species. These species are generally of gregarious behaviour, and are herbivorous (preferred host plants are among Solanaceae, but also Compositae, Leguminosae); C. peruviana has caused much damage on several crops in Peru in the past years.

Later, and unconnected with the messages on Chromacris, a member mentioned that the Australian Plague Locust Commission has been using the fungus Metarhizium anisopliae var. acridum against a range of locusts and grasshoppers with very good results. Two Metarhizium products for oil and water-based applications will be registered [2003]. The strain of Metarhizium used selectively infects acridids and so is relatively ecologically friendly. The Commission has also been developing “barrier” treatments with conventional insecticides that allow a dramatic reduction in the amount of insecticide needed to control grasshoppers.