An \u201cexceptionally rare\u201d pink grasshopper has been spotted basking in the sun alongside a river in New Zealand\u2019s South Island.<\/p>\n
A group of department of conservation researchers were conducting their annual grasshopper survey near Lake Tekapo in the MacKenzie basin when they came across the dark pink female critter.<\/p>\n
The species \u2013 the robust grasshopper \u2013 is native to New Zealand, and the country\u2019s largest lowland grasshopper. It is typically grey or brown, like the river stones of the only area they inhabit, the edges of the braided rivers of MacKenzie basin.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d heard rumours about a pink one but never seen one myself,\u201d said Jen Schori, a department of conservation ranger involved in the survey.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was so exciting. Pink grasshoppers are exceptionally rare.\u201d<\/p>\n
The pink hue is thought to be caused by a genetic mutation called erythrism, which results in an over production of red pigment and less of the usual natural pigment, Schori said.<\/p>\n
There are thought to be just 250-1,000 of the nationally endangered adult robust grasshoppers left, the department said, with the species risk from habitat loss, climate warming and predators.<\/p>\n
The females are about double the size of the males, and need a lot of sun to get warm enough to feed and mature eggs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese grasshoppers are so unique. They look almost prehistoric,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
They are also known to be clumsy. While they are excellent jumpers in open habitat, they are terrible at landing, Schori said, adding they were also incredibly vulnerable, which was especially concerning for the pink insect.<\/p>\n