Fig. 6.

Mechanism of density-dependent flight trait variation of migratory locusts. At low population density, solitary locusts exhibit robust energy metabolism activity, which produces more power for short-term flight. However, an overload of oxidative stress, which is a by-product of aerobic activity, inhibits their flight sustainability. By contrast, moderate metabolic activity in gregarious locusts maintains a relatively lower ROS generation, thereby facilitating the sustainability of their long-term flight.