A very rare pink grasshopper has been spotted near Lake Takapō during an annual insect survey in the Mackenzie Basin. The surprising discovery was made by Department of Conservation (DOC) ranger Jen Schori, who had never seen one in all her years of study.
The bright pink insect is a female robust grasshopper, New Zealand’s largest lowland grasshopper species. Normally, these grasshoppers are grey or brown to blend in with the river stones where they live. Experts believe the pink colour comes from a rare genetic condition called erythrism, which causes extra red pigment and less of the usual colours.
These grasshoppers are found only in the Mackenzie Basin and are nationally endangered. They are known for their strong jumps but clumsy landings, and their size.
The pink grasshopper is especially rare because her bright colour makes her more visible to predators. She was found outside a predator-protected area, meaning she has survived without extra help.
DoC hopes she might produce offspring, though pink grasshoppers are unlikely to become common.
That is one fit cat. I dont think i could walk that far. Let a lone a cat!!!
long way for a cat to travel
it was really good and interesting I loved it good job
That’s a long way.
The owners must’ve been scared to lose their cat but in the end the cat was found by a kind person who looked after the cat after walking 1448 km.
Thats pretty amazing! Very fit cat. Surely it didn’t do it all on paw! That’s crazy!
a least the cat got home
That cat must love their family so much to travel 1448 km, by paw!
I want that cat NOW!!!!!!!!
wish i could travel that far
wow cat strong
traveled so long!
they are so cute