Biosyn's Locust
"Hexapod Allies. The Locusts were designed to spread genetic modifications to crops. [...]
Only it didn't work.."
~Ramsay Cole
Species:
Orthoptera indet.
Common Name:
Biosyn Locust
Family:
Unknown
Seen in:
• Jurassic World Dominion (2022)
Vocalizations:
Description:
Currently the only known prehistoric Invertebrate Arthropod to be cloned, the Biosyn Locust is a genetically modified giant orthopteran. While its exact genetic makeup is unknown, the Biosyn Locust is believed to be a cross between modern and prehistoric lineages of Orthoptera. Desert Locusts (Schistocerca gregaria) are seen in Dr. Wu’s lab, suggesting these disastrous pests likely served as the base genome for Biosyn’s Locust. Additionally, an unidentified prehistoric member of Orthoptera is spotted during the Late Cretaceous. Unlike modern Locusts however, these insects grew to excessive sizes, reaching nearly over 60 centimeters in length. The size and sheer resilience of the Biosyn Locust can be attributed to genes from this species.
The Biosyn Locust is a light yellow-brown color with brown markings across its head and thorax. Dark brown banding wrap around the locust’s six limbs and antennae. Thorny chitin protrusions are present lining the top of its carapace and on its massive legs. As the Biosyn Locusts have only been seen in their gregarious phase, it is unknown if they feature a different morph during their solitary phase.
Bioengineered by Dr. Henry Wu, the locusts were part of a secret side-project of Biosyn codenamed "Hexapod Allies." Officially, the program intended to utilize the Locusts as delivery agents to spread genetic modifications to crops. These genetic modifications would enhance resilience to disease, drought, frost, and any other natural afflictions that may diminish crop yield. The locusts were designed to be unable to feed on Biosyn engineered crops.
The “Hexapod Allies” program ultimately backfired, as the locusts proliferated uncontrollably, decimating cropland all across the Midwestern United States. Some speculate that Lewis Dodgson, CEO of Biosyn, intended to use the Locusts to wipe out competitors, effectively gaining control of the world food supply as the locusts consumed all crops not produced by Biosyn. The Locust Plague was stopped after Dr. Wu created a new genetically modified individual carrying a gene-altering pathogen capable of eradicating the wild locusts populations in a single generation.
Size Estimates:
Aprox. 60cm Long
Did you know?
Biosyn’s “Hexapod Allies” program is largely inspired by a real DARPA program called “Insect Allies” with the exact same premise and purpose.
Habitat & Geographical Ranging:
It is unclear what the ideal environment for these Locusts would be, however we know that they are hardy and flourished in the Midwestern United States. Swarming populations have migrated from Wyoming to Texas, leaving multitudes of devastated crop fields in their wake.
The Locusts eventually managed to travel overseas and make their way to Europe and Africa. It is unclear exactly which countries were invaded, but according to reports Central and Southern Europe, the Middle East, and Central Africa have been struck by the Locust Plague.
These overseas locusts likely originated from the Amber Clave Night Market in Malta, where they have been found smuggled in cages. These locusts are kept alive to be sold or are cooked as exotic cuisine for market patrons.
Individual Variation:
A single unique individual was engineered by Dr. Henry Wu in order to end the locust plague. This individual is slightly smaller and lacks prominent thorny protrusions. Additionally, a small device is strapped onto its thorax. This individual is infected with a pathogen that will cull the wild locust population by altering their DNA.