Ultra Rare Pink Grasshopper Spotted in Mackenzie Basin

An ordinary annual survey of insects in the Mackenzie Basin has led to an extraordinary discovery – a rare pink grasshopper. Department of Conservation (DoC) ranger Jen Schori was left in awe when her colleagues called her over to witness the incredible sight of a deep pink grasshopper near Lake Takapō.

Schori, who was participating in the region's annual grasshopper survey, spotted the female robust grasshopper (Sigaus robustus) basking in the sun on stones. "I’ve been studying these amazing creatures for years," Schori said. "They are usually grey or brown, like river stones. I had heard rumours about a pink one, but never seen one myself. It was so exciting."

Pink grasshoppers are exceptionally rare, with the unique color likely caused by a genetic mutation called erythrism. This condition leads to an overproduction of red pigment and a reduction in the typical natural pigment of the species.

The robust grasshopper, which is New Zealand's largest lowland grasshopper, is found exclusively along the edges of braided rivers in the Mackenzie Basin and is nationally endangered. "These grasshoppers are so unique," Schori said. "They look almost prehistoric. They can jump fairly well, but are renowned for their clumsy landings. They are also very vulnerable, and this pink one will stand out even more to predators, which is what makes this sighting so special."

In 2018, a predator fence was erected around a small area of the grasshopper's habitat in the Mackenzie Basin. However, Schori pointed out that this pink grasshopper was outside the fenced area and would have had to survive on its own. "They do live up to their name," she said. "They're quite robust, and the females are double the size of the males. Maybe she will breed and we will see more pink ones."

This pink grasshopper has quickly gained fame within the DoC office, with Schori joking about the "paparazzi" taking photos of the rare find. "I’m just so happy I got to see one after all these years," she added.