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.
Switzerland to introduce flight passenger database
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Switzerland plans to introduce a flight passenger database to collect and process personal data in a bid to combat terrorism and serious crime.
Government plans to invest over CHF16bn in Swiss rail network
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The federal government intends to invest CHF16.4 billion ($18.1 billion) in railway infrastructure between 2025 and 2028, CHF2 billion more than for the current period.
Swiss to vote on pension reform and biodiversity in September
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Swiss citizens will vote on occupational pension schemes and a biodiversity initiative on September 22, the Federal Council announced on Wednesday.
Ukraine peace talks: 50 countries have confirmed participation
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To date, 50 countries out 160 invited delegations have confirmed they will attend the Ukraine peace conference, held in central Switzerland in mid-June, according to Swiss public radio, RTS.
Federer-backed On boosts forecast after sneaker demand rises
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Swiss footwear company On Holding AG posted strong first-quarter revenue, boosted by demand for its running shoes and new line of training apparel.
Michael Schumacher’s watches fetch CHF4 million at Swiss auction
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Watches belonging to Formula 1 great Michael Schumacher sold for around CHF4 million ($4.41 million) at auction house Christie's in Geneva on Tuesday.
Macron will attend Swiss summit on Ukraine, says Zelensky
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French President Emmanuel Macron will attend the peace conference on Ukraine at the Swiss Bürgenstock resort next month, according to Volodymyr Zelensky.
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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