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.
In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?
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SWISS cancels flight to Tel Aviv following missile attack near Ben Gurion airport
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After a missile landed near Tel Aviv’s Ben-Gurion Airport, Swiss International Airlines (SWISS) cancelled its flight from Zurich to Tel Aviv on Sunday.
Swiss foreign minister rejects mandatory referendum for EU deals
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Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis defended the government’s decision to make EU deals subject to an optional rather than a mandatory referendum.
Pro-choice and anti-abortion activists face off in Geneva
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Anti-abortion Christian groups held a silent prayer in front of the Geneva train station on Saturday, to the whistles and shouts of pro-choice demonstrators.
Swiss army soldier seriously injured in accident on Simplon Pass
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A member of the Swiss army was seriously injured on Friday while manoeuvring a self-propelled howitzer on the Simplon Pass.
Basel attempts world‘s largest over-60s disco before Eurovision Song Contest
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It was billed as a world record attempt for the biggest over-60s disco of all time. But most visitors came to Basel to have fun.
Basel prepares 700 volunteers for the Eurovision Song Contest
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Around 320 people took part in one of the two official information events for the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in Basel on Friday.
More Swiss soldiers involved in accidents during training in Austria
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The Swiss army has reported various accidents involving Swiss soldiers during the exercise “TRIAS 25” in Austria. Some have led to hospitalisations.
Swiss court rules vegan meat substitutes can’t use animal names
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Vegan meat substitutes may not bear animal names such as “planted.chicken” according to a ruling by the Swiss Federal Supreme Court.
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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