S. piceifrons is closely related to Schistocerca americana,[3] but exhibits a greater degree of phase polymorphism referred to in the technical literature as "density-dependent phenotypic plasticity.

[4] Two subspecies of S. piceifrons are recognised:[2] Historically, swarms have invaded north through Colombia and Venezuela as far as Guyana.

The species is polyphagous, but shows a preference for rice, wheat, maize, palms and citrus.

It also attacks sunflower, lentil, potato, tobacco and sorghum when preferred plants are unavailable.

Swarms, probably originating in Colombia, reached Venezuela, Trinidad and Guyana in two plagues: 1881–1886 and 1913–18, although the subspecies of these last cannot be determined with certainty.