16-07-2025
Border agents find live Egyptian locust in Metro Airport passenger's luggage
U.S. Customs and Border Protect agriculture specialists at Detroit Wayne County Metrop[olitan Airport discovered a live Egyptian locust in a traveler's luggage from Albania − and quickly brought about its exodus.
The agency's Office of Field Operations recently posted on its Facebook page about the March interception.
More: Decades of Michigan lake data, hidden in filing cabinets, digitized with volunteer help
More: Michigan dispute with Trump administration over funding hits sheriff's marine patrols
The Egyptian locust, or Egyptian bird grasshopper, Anacridium aegyptium, is an invasive species in North America, though common throughout Europe and North Africa. Adult males can grow to over 2 inches in length; females to nearly 3 inches. The locusts can be voracious eaters, especially in swarms.
Exotic locusts present a serious threat to U.S. agriculture due to them feeding on a variety of plants, including crops like grapevines, citrus trees, deciduous orchard trees, and vegetables, Customs and Border Protection officials said.
Contact Keith Matheny: kmatheny@
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Live Egyptian locust found in Metro Airport passenger's luggage
Solve the daily Crossword
