Abstract
A raster-based geographic information system was used to analyze 31 yr of USDA grasshopper survey data from Wyoming to identify areas prone to grasshopper infestations of ≥10 grasshoppers per square meter and to understand the spatiotemporal characteristics of rangeland grasshopper population dynamics. A temporally consistent, clumped spatial distribution was observed in the grasshopper infestations. Frequently infested lands were usually surrounded by areas with less frequent infestations, which graded into areas of apparently suitable habitat with no recorded infestations. Sixty-two percent of Wyoming has never had a recorded infestation, and only 6% of Wyoming has been infested ≥6 times. There has been >1 million ha infested in 12 yr, but <1% of Wyoming has been infested in ≥8 yr. Five, major 2-yr outbreak expansion sequences showed localized spatiotemporal persistence; the sequences revealed that grasshopper densities can reach outbreak levels over wide areas in a single year. Five, major 2-yr outbreak collapse sequences exhibited limited spatiotemporal persistence, with collapsing outbreaks often leaving no remnant infestations. Grasshopper outbreaks appear to exhibit characteristics of gradient dynamics at the scale of this study, although eruptive dynamics can not be entirely discounted. Applications of these results to pest management survey and treatment decisions are considered.
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