Insect life is as active in Central America as in other parts of the
tropics. The most dreaded insect is the locust, which makes periodical
attacks on the plantations, and in a single hour the largest fields of
maize are stripped of their leaves, the stems alone being left to show
that they once existed. This creature is called by the natives the
"chapulin," or langosta. They make their first appearance as little
wingless things, swarming over the ground like ants, when they are
called "santones." In order to destroy them, the natives dig long
trenches, into which they are driven, when, unable to leap out, they are
easily buried and destroyed. Still, vast numbers escape, when they
appear in enormous columns, darkening the air, and as they sweep
onwards, destroy every green thing in their course. They cover the
ground on every side, then rising in clouds, fill the atmosphere with
their multitudes, causing the trees to appear brown, as if seared by
fire. Frequently, as their hosts sweep onwards, they are seen falling
like flakes in a snow-storm from a dark cloud. Every device that the
farmer can think of is employed to prevent their settling: sulphur is
burned, drums beaten, guns fired, and other noises made. Often, by such
means, a plantation is preserved from destruction; but when the columns
once alight, no device avails to save the plantation from speedy
desolation.
This locust or grasshopper is generally from two and a half to four
inches in length, but specimens sometimes appear five inches long; and
it may be conceived what an enormous amount of food such monsters must
consume.