Abstract
The Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory Model and meteorological graphics software (Grads and ArcGIS) were used to analyze source areas and migratory trajectories of a population of Locusta migratoria migratoria (L.) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in the Tacheng region of Xinjiang, China that borders with eastern Kazakhstan. The source areas of these locusts migrating into the Tacheng region are distributed near Lake Alakol, Lake Zaisan, eastern Lake Balkhash, the Irtysh River, and Ayaguz River in Kazakhstan. Locusts follow nine migratory trajectories in their invasion of Tacheng. On the respective migration dates, a westerly wind, northerly wind, or northwesterly wind, the latter being the prevailing wind direction, occurred at 950 hPa over the source areas. At migration heights of 300, 500, and 800 m above mean sea level, the air temperatures ranged from 25.0–31.0°C, 21.5–26.0°C, and 21.0–25.0°C, respectively. The concept of insect migration pattern in Central Asia is proposed, but a series of theoretical and empirical studies will be needed to provide support for this postulation.