like a big cricket. They are good for larger lizards (according to John Weigel)
Locusts and grasshoppers are common in rice fields, particularly as the crop nears maturity. Whilst a number of different species have been recorded in the crop only 2 species, the Australian plague locust and the small plague grasshopper, have been recognised as causing economically significant levels of damage. Damaging populations of these species occur as a consequence of swarms invading crops from adjacent areas. Grasshoppers and locusts have typical chewing mouthparts and cause leaf damage similar to that caused by common armyworms.
Both the Australian plague locust and the small plague grasshopper have been recorded as damaging crops in the late seedling stage, however this form of damage is relatively uncommon and can generally be controlled by raising water levels to ensure as much of the plant as possible is underwater and protected from damage. Plants affected at this stage generally recover after pest pressure has declined.
Severe damage closer to harvest occurs rarely, but may require chemical control. Because of the similarity between locust and armyworm damage care must be taken to accurately identify not only the extent, but also the origin of plant damage. Once the source of the damage has been confirmed as locusts or grasshoppers, growers should contact their District Agronomist for advice on control.