Exceptionally Rare Pink Grasshopper Is Chonky, Adorable—and a Genetic Miracle

Robust grasshoppers are plump, almost prehistoric-looking critters only found along the edges of a river in southern New Zealand. These grasshoppers typically come in unassuming shades of gray and rusty brown to blend into their surroundings. They’re not pink—at least, not usually.

But rangers with New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DOC) spotted just that: an all-natural, delightfully pink, robust grasshopper. They found the rose-colored insect during an annual grasshopper survey near Lake Tekapo in the Mackenzie Basin. From what the experts can tell, the unusual shade was either caused by something that the grasshopper ate or, more likely, erythism, a genetic mutation that results in the overproduction of red pigment in the grasshoppers.

“She was stunning!†Jen Schori, a ranger involved with the survey, recalled to The Guardian. “We’ve heard them popping up, particularly at this site, kind of every couple of years. But they’re really, really rare.â€

The rarest of them all

Robust grasshoppers (Sigaus robustus) are themselves already rare, with New Zealand’s government classifying them as “Nationally Endangered,†or “facing high risk of extinction in the short term.†In 2018, rangers put up a predator exclusion fence around a small area known to host these insects to protect them from hedgehogs, cats, or birds.

The annual surveys are intended to identify and record grasshopper populations and well-being, and it was on one of these excursions that Schori and her colleagues found an odd splotch of deep pink among the rocks—outside the fence, at that.

“These grasshoppers are so unique. They look almost prehistoric,†Schori said in a statement. “They can jump fairly well but are renowned for their clumsy landings. They’re also very vulnerable. The pink one will unfortunately stand out even more to predators, which is why this sighting is so special.â€

Stay strong, pink one

That said, it’s too early to conclude that the grasshopper will meet a premature death. There is a possibility—though slim—that the pink critter will breed and pass those rosy genes down to her offspring.

“But she stands out really well in her environment, so she will have to do a really good job of hiding from her predators to make it through adulthood,†Schori admitted in an interview with The New Zealand Herald. “In saying that, she’s only got a couple more months—she’ll be reaching adulthood [soon], so there’s a chance for sure.â€

“She has certainly become a bit of a celebrity in our office and we joke about the paparazzi coming and taking loads of photos,†added Schori in the statement. “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.â€

For what it’s worth, I will certainly be praying for the safety of the lovely, chonky pink grasshopper. I urge you to do the same.