It is one of 115 grasshopper species native to Switzerland and is named after its distinctive azure colouring on its wings.
When its wings are folded, the Blue-winged Grasshopper blends into its surroundings, typically on stony valley floors.
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Reports sound alarm bells for Swiss biodiversity
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Biological diversity in Switzerland faces alarming challenges, with more endangered animals and plants than in most other European countries.
When disturbed the two centimetre-long insect will jump up and dazzle predators with its colouring before adopting camouflage mode on landing again.
The Blue-winged Grasshopper, also known by its Latin name of Oedipoda caerulescens, thrives in warm conditions and can adapt to human-made terrains such as gravel pits and railway areas.
However, many of its natural habitats have been destroyed over the last 100 years.
This is in common to many of Switzerland’s 30,000 native insect species. Pro Natura says that 60% of Swiss insect species are threatened as a result.
The organisation is calling for meadows and pastures to be protected and for other habitats, like floodplains, to be restored as nature areas.
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Will the new biodiversity framework help us live in harmony with nature?
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A global agreement to protect 30% of the Earth from biodiversity loss can only be reached by meeting local challenges through cooperation.
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
Swiss plan 1,600 extra trains for Eurovision, Women’s EURO 2025 and other events
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Swiss Federal Railways is planning to operate 1,600 additional trains to transport passengers to special events in 2025, such as the UEFA Women's EURO 2025 and the Eurovision Song Contest.
Swiss study: higher prices for cheese with protected geographical indication
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Indications of geographical origin play a central role in the cheese trade, a study by the Agroscope research centre shows.
Swiss campaigners launch another ‘responsible business initiative’
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A coalition has launched a new "responsible business initiative", urging the government to ensure that Swiss-based multinationals and their subsidiaries abroad respect human rights and protect the environment.
Swiss court suspends Geneva plan to ban single-use plastics
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A Geneva court has suspended a ban on the sale of single-use plastics in the city, which was due to be introduced on January 1. This follows an appeal by Swiss retailers to the Federal Court.
Swiss cable car firms and hotels report positive winter so far
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The Swiss cable car association and Switzerland Tourism have reported higher visitor numbers at winter resorts over the Christmas and New Year period compared to 2023/24.
UBS expects Swiss National Bank to record CHF80bn profit in 2024
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The Swiss National Bank (SNB) is expected to make a net profit of CHF80 billion ($88.4 billion) in 2024, according to UBS.
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Consumer prices fell last year in Switzerland, new figures show. Higher rents and electricity prices were partially offset by lower prices for gas and prescription drugs.
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New data from the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) shows that flu cases doubled in Switzerland between mid and late December.
Swiss bank Julius Bär sells its Brazilian operation
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Swiss private bank Julius Bär has signed an agreement to sell its operation in Brazil for 615 million reais, or CHF91 million ($100.7 million).
Historian claims Swiss banks may hold further Second World War secrets
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Bank archives could still hold secrets about Swiss actions during the Second World War and should be re-examined, especially those of UBS, says Marc Perrenoud, a historian who worked on the Bergier Commission.
Lake invaders: alien shellfish trouble Swiss waters
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Switzerland may be landlocked, but that doesn’t keep foreign marine life from threatening its ecosystems. Could eating them be part of the solution?
Swiss forests are healthy but need better management
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Despite threats such as drought and insects, Swiss forests are better equipped to handle natural hazards than they were a decade ago.
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The short-tailed weasel, also known as the stoat or ermine, has been chosen as Switzerland’s animal of the year by Pro Natura.
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