CANNIBALISM is the driving force behind the formation, speed and spread of hungry young locust bands across paddocks and pastures.
That's according to an international research team, which found wingless locusts start chasing and eating each other as their body protein levels drop on poor-quality feed.
As the hungry locusts pick up pace, the band is forced across patchy or barren paddocks on to lush crops and pastures.
Once it hits good-quality pastures or crops, the cannibalism levels drop and it slows down.
Although the research team studied the African plague locust, its research still has important implications for Australian farmers and government agencies trying to control bands of locust hoppers this spring.
Research team member and University of Sydney population ecologist Greg Sword said cannibalism among locusts was well known.
But he said the team's latest research identified for the first time the link between locusts' feed quality, cannibalism and pace of the young locust bands across the landscape.
"It's basically a forced march, driven by cannibalism," Professor Sword said.
"Those locusts that remain stationary are far more vulnerable (to being eaten)."
Prof Sword said forming bands also helped young wingless locusts travel over barren ground, given they were "travelling with lunch".
"This research suggests there should be some habitats where locusts are more likely start mass migration."
The team's research was published last week.
Meanwhile, the Victorian Department of Primary Industries has launched an interactive map to report locusts.
State controller for locusts Russell McMurray said governments, communities, landholders and industry stakeholders need to work together in the war on locusts.
- Click here to view DPI's locust map and information about community meetings.
