Grasshoppers or locusts?

from nat geo:
Locusts are related to grasshoppers and the two insects look similar. However, locust behavior can be something else entirely. Locusts are sometimes solitary insects with lifestyles much like grasshoppers. But locusts have another behavioral phase called the gregarious phase. When environmental conditions produce many green plants and promote breeding, locusts can congregate into thick, mobile, ravenous swarms.

from wiki:
Locust is the swarming phase of short-horned grasshoppers of the family Acrididae. The origin and apparent extinction of certain species of locust?some of which reached 6 inches (15 cm) in length?are unclear.[1]
These are species that can breed rapidly under suitable conditions and subsequently become gregarious and migratory. They form bands as nymphs and swarms as adults?both of which can travel great distances, rapidly stripping fields and greatly damaging crops.

photos of both look the same to me.

We do seem to be experiencing some sort of economic biblical plague, so I vote locust, young grasshopper.

Toast them then dip them in chocolate, they all taste like chicken.

Are you referring to the blurred objects on the sticks? I cannot see them well.

Are you referring to the blurred objects on the sticks? I cannot see them well.

He doesn't want to compromise their privacy.

Are you referring to the blurred objects on the sticks? I cannot see them well.

He doesn't want to compromise their privacy.

Sorry my phones camera doesn't do macro very well.

They are grasshoppers and not locusts, but are they going to eat my plants or defend them like a homestead. I'm just curious before I get out the DDT.

regardless of which they are, they will eat plant leaves like they are going out of style. I bet you can find some home remedy online, to spray on your precious plants to deter them from eating. If you want, you can take some of the fireants from my garden to help defend the plants. They work very well against the insects, but not against the rabbits and deer.

A pellet gun wouldn't harm your plants, if your aim is good

regardless of which they are, they will eat plant leaves like they are going out of style. I bet you can find some home remedy online, to spray on your precious plants to deter them from eating. If you want, you can take some of the fireants from my garden to help defend the plants. They work very well against the insects, but not against the rabbits and deer.

No munches yet. I had some insecticide that saaaid organic on the bottle. According to the label (always read labels) the fact that it is called organic that means nothing and it's basically the same old stuff. Back to the store tomorrow. The population has also dwindled with the cold and wind.

Actually my daughter and I have to catch these on a daily basis to feed her toads that we go 'frog' hunting for at Eden Gardens! lol Perhaps you should start keeping a couple toads on the sly?