Latchininsky A.V.1, Fedotova A.A.2, Sergeev M.G.3 2023. [From the idea of phase variability in the recognition of polyphenism, gregarious behaviour, and population dynamics of locusts. A hundred years of B.P. Uvarov’s phase theory] // Euroasian Entomological Journal. Vol.22. No.3: 119–134 [in Russian, with English summary].
1 Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP), Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome 00153 Italy. E-mail: alexandre.latchininsky@fao.org
2 Saint Petersburg Branch of the Institute for the History of Science and Technology, Russian Academy of Science 199034, Universitetskaya Nab. 5/2, Saint Petersburg 199034 Russia. E-mail: f.anastasia.spb@gmail.com
3 Institute of Systematics and Ecology of Animals, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Frunze Str. 11, Novosibirsk 630091 Russia; Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630090 Russia. E-mail: mgs@fen.nsu.ru
doi 10.15298/euroasentj.22.03.01
ABSTRACT. This article is based on an analysis of archive recordings (B.P. Uvarov’s manuscripts and correspondence from the archives of London and Saint Petersburg), numerous publications concerning the problems of the locust phase transformation, and the authors’ own results. The scientific background at the time when the phase theory was formulated is characterized. A summary of Uvarov’s ideas and their evolution are described as well as contributions (including their critical appraisal) by other scientists to the theory development. The modern understanding of phase polyphenism is outlined for acridid insects, and the relationship between the phase theory and applied acridology is discussed. The characteristics of Locusta migratoria Linnaeus and Dociostaurus maroccanus (Thunberg) from Uvarov’s manuscript “Orthoptera of the Caucasus” written between 1915 and 1920 are published for the first time.
KEY WORDS: Acrididae, locusts, phase polyphenism, population dynamics, preventive strategy.
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