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.
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