Locusts as Live Food

Migratory locusts, while a destructive pest in many countries, provide an excellent source of livefood for many exotic pets.

The wide range of sizes from hoppers (usually around 1cm long) to adults (reaching upwards of 5cm) suit everything from praying mantis nymphs to large lizards and mammals, and some hobbyists raise locusts as pets in themselves.

Feeding

For information on feeding locusts, please see our article on gutloading

Housing

While locusts will survive several days in the containers they are sent in without any ill effects, it is recommended that if you plan to keep them longer the locusts are transferred to a pet-pal tank or similar. A well ventilated container is preferable, and some sticks to climb on and shed from will be appreciated. No substrate is required, and the housing should be cleaned regularly.

Heating and Humidity

Locusts like it hot and dry, daytime temperatures in the 90's (farenheit) are ideal, and will encourage feeding and growth, however if you are not keeping the locusts for long, and are not keen for them to grow, room temperature should be fine.

Keep the enclosure dry at all times, moisture can be given in the form of fresh grass or other food items.