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.
More
More
Reports sound alarm bells for Swiss biodiversity
This content was published on
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.
More
Opinion
More
Will the new biodiversity framework help us live in harmony with nature?
This content was published on
A global agreement to protect 30% of the Earth from biodiversity loss can only be reached by meeting local challenges through cooperation.
This content was published on
The top three places of Switzerland's biggest fortunes remain unchanged in 2024, dominated by the co-owner of the Parisian label Chanel.
Swiss museum returns dhulu to Australian aboriginal community
This content was published on
The Basel Museum of Cultures officially has returned a dhulu, a carved tree, to the Gamilaraay aboriginal community in Australia.
Over-55s account for less than 10% of new hires in Switzerland
This content was published on
Only 8% of Swiss jobs are filled by people aged 55 and over, even though this age group represents 23% of the working population, says insurer Swiss Life.
This content was published on
The Langmatt Museum in Baden, Switzerland, has agreed terms with the descendants of the former owners of two impressionist paintings
Artificial intelligence is part of everyday life for young Swiss people
This content was published on
Artificial intelligence has rapidly become part of young people's everyday lives. According to a survey, 71% have had experience with ChatGPT or other programs.
Jungfrau Railways invests CHF70 million in new cable cars
This content was published on
The Jungfrau Railway Group is ordering CHF70 million cableway installations for the First and Kleine Scheidegg ski areas.
This content was published on
A bronze coin from the 3rd century BC has been discovered during excavations in the Roman town of Augusta Raurica - the first find of its kind in Switzerland
This content was published on
The canton of Zurich and Swiss Federal Railways want to test self-driving public transport in rural areas from spring 2025.
Lake invaders: alien shellfish trouble Swiss waters
This content was published on
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
This content was published on
Despite threats such as drought and insects, Swiss forests are better equipped to handle natural hazards than they were a decade ago.
This content was published on
The short-tailed weasel, also known as the stoat or ermine, has been chosen as Switzerland’s animal of the year by Pro Natura.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.