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Rare Pink Grasshopper Discovered in NZ
19 Nov
Summary
- An exceptionally rare pink grasshopper was found near Lake Tekapo.
- The insect's unusual color is likely due to a genetic mutation.
- Fewer than 1,000 robust grasshoppers are estimated to remain.
A strikingly rare pink grasshopper, a native New Zealand species, has been spotted near Lake Tekapo in the South Island. Researchers conducting an annual survey encountered the vibrantly colored female, a stark contrast to the typical grey or brown of its kind. This unusual hue is attributed to a genetic mutation known as erythrism.
The robust grasshopper, New Zealand's largest lowland variety, is typically camouflaged against the river stones it inhabits. Its presence is critically important, as an estimated 250 to 1,000 adults remain, making it nationally endangered. Habitat loss, climate change, and predation pose significant threats to its survival.
Conservationists are particularly concerned about the pink grasshopper's vulnerability due to its conspicuous color. Efforts to protect the species include a predator exclusion fence established in 2018, though this particular individual was found outside its confines. Hopes are high that this unique specimen may breed and potentially increase the population of pink grasshoppers.
