An exceptionally rare pink grasshopper has been recorded in New Zealand’s South Island, after researchers conducting an annual survey came across the deep-coloured insect basking on river stones near Lake Tekapo/Takapō in the Mackenzie Basin.
Department of Conservation (DOC) ranger Jen Schori was called over by colleagues during the routine survey when the striking female robust grasshopper (Sigaus robustus) was found sitting in bright sunshine on the stony riverbed.
Schori, who has spent years studying the species, said the sighting was remarkable. The robust grasshopper is normally grey or brown, blending closely with the stones and silty soils of its specialised habitat along the edges of the region’s braided rivers.
Also Read: New ‘Lucifer’ Bee with Devil-Like Horns Discovered in Western Australia
“I’d heard rumours about a pink one but never seen one myself. It was so exciting,” she said. “Pink grasshoppers are exceptionally rare.”
According to Schori, the unusual coloration is likely caused by erythrism, a genetic mutation that leads to an overproduction of red pigment and reduced amounts of the species’ usual natural pigment.
The robust grasshopper is New Zealand’s largest lowland grasshopper and is classed as nationally endangered. It is estimated that only 250 to 1,000 adult individuals remain. The species faces threats from habitat loss, warming climate conditions and predators such as hedgehogs, cats and birds.
Females are roughly twice the size of males and require long periods of direct sunlight to warm sufficiently for feeding and egg maturation. Despite being strong jumpers in open terrain, the insects are known for their clumsy landings, which adds to their vulnerability. The bright pink female, Schori noted, is likely to be even more visible to predators.
“The pink one will unfortunately stand out even more to predators, which is why this sighting is so special,” she said. “These grasshoppers are so unique. They look almost prehistoric.”
Also Read: Rats Caught on Camera Hunting Flying Bats for the First Time
In 2018, with support from Te Manahuna Aoraki, conservationists installed a predator exclusion fence around a small section of the grasshopper’s habitat. It is believed to be the world’s first fenced sanctuary designed specifically to protect insects and to support further study of their behaviour and population dynamics.
However, the newly spotted pink grasshopper was found outside the protected area and will have to survive without the additional safeguards.
“They do live up to their name, they’re quite robust and the females are double the size of the males,” Schori said. “Maybe she will breed, and we will see some more pink ones.”
Schori added that the insect has already become “a bit of a celebrity” among staff. “I’m just so happy I got to see one after all these years. Getting out into nature in this part of the world is really special,” she said.
Story Sources: Department of Conservation (New Zealand), The Guardian, The Independent.
