Maturation and Fecundity of the Spur‐throated Locust, Austracris Guttulosa (Walker), in New South Wales During the 1974/75 Plague

The maturation and fecundity of the spur‐throated locust were measured in populations of three different densities in northern and central western New South Wales during spring and summer, 1974/75. Adults overwinter in a non‐reproductive condition and the females mature in spring. The initial ovarian cycle of the female, from the first appearance of yolk in the terminal oocyte of the ovary to ovulation and oviposition, covered an eight‐week period during October and November, 1974u Subsequent cycles, leading to successive ovipositions, during the remainder of the seasonal breeding period of this univoltine species, were much shorter although delayed initially by dry conditions in December, 1974. The number of eggs detached in the oviduct and about to be laid, averaged 136 per female and was only 15% less than the maximum possible, which was equivalent to the ovariole number of 160 per female. Seasonal variations in clutch size were small and were not affected by dry conditions. Approximately five pods were laid by each female between November and April.