Abstract:
This study evaluates the qualitative and quantitative dietary preferences of solitary Schistocerca
gregaria in a natural environment in Aoulef (Adrar). By analyzing the frequencies of consumed plant
species, it was found that female Schistocerca gregaria consumed 15 out of 34 plant species present in
their natural habitat, while males consumed only 11. The most consumed species are Sonchus asper,
Launaea nudicaulis, and Bassia muricata (each at 12.09%), followed by Urospermum picroides
(11.54%), Malva parviflora (9.89%), Chenopodiastrum murale (9.34%), Sonchus oleraceus (8.24%),
Aerva javanica (6.59%), and Leymus arenarius (6.04%). Other plants like Callitriche stagnalis (3.30%),
Hordeum vulgare, and Tamarix africana (2.20% each) were less consumed. Males prefer Bassia
muricata (14.46%) and Sonchus asper (13.25%), while females favor Urospermum picroides and
Launaea nudicaulis (12.12% each). The observed differences indicate a clear dietary preference for
solitary S. gregaria.
