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A conservation worker in New Zealand has recorded an exceptionally rare sighting of a deep pink female robust grasshopper (Sigaus robustus), spotted sitting among grey river stones in South Island’s Mackenzie Basin.

The conservationist, Jen Schori has spent years studying the species but had never seen a pink one before.

“I’ve been studying these amazing creatures for years,” she said. “They are usually grey or brown coloured like river stones. I’d heard rumours about a pink one but never seen one myself. It was so exciting.

“Pink grasshoppers are exceptionally rare. It’s likely caused by a genetic mutation called erythrism which results in an over production of red pigment and less of the usual natural pigment that the species has,” Jen says.

The robust grasshopper is New Zealand's largest lowland grasshopper and is found only along the braided river margins of the Mackenzie Basin – a highly specialised habitat of stones and boulders. The species typically appears in various shades of grey and rusty brown, blending into its surroundings. It is classed as nationally endangered and threatened by predators including hedgehogs, cats and birds.

“These grasshoppers are so unique. They look almost prehistoric. 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.”

In 2018, with funding from Te Manahuna Aoraki (TMA), a predator-exclusion fence was installed around a portion of grasshopper habitat in the Mackenzie Basin. It is believed to be the world’s first exclusion fence designed specifically to protect insects and improve understanding of their ecology.

Jen adds that the pink grasshopper was found outside the fenced area and will have to survive on her own.

“They do live up to their name, they’re quite robust and the females are double the size of the males. Maybe she will breed, and we will see some more pink ones. She has certainly become a bit of a celebrity in our office and we joke about the paparazzi coming and taking loads of photos. 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.”