Maspalomas bow-legged grasshopper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Maspalomas bow-legged grasshopper |
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|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Dericorys
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| Species: |
minutus
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The Maspalomas bow-legged grasshopper (Dericorys minutus) is a very special type of grasshopper. It belongs to the family Acrididae, which includes many common grasshoppers. This unique insect is only found in one place: the town of Maspalomas on Gran Canaria Island.
Sadly, this grasshopper is considered Critically endangered. This means it is in extreme danger of disappearing forever. In fact, no one has seen this grasshopper since 1949, which makes scientists worry it might already be extinct.
Contents
What is the Maspalomas Bow-legged Grasshopper?
This grasshopper gets its name from its "bow-legged" appearance. It is a small insect, as its scientific name minutus suggests. Minutus means "tiny" in Latin. Like all grasshoppers, it has strong back legs for jumping. It also has antennae and wings, though it might not fly much.
Where Does It Live?
The Maspalomas bow-legged grasshopper is endemic to Maspalomas. This means it naturally lives only in that specific area and nowhere else in the world. Maspalomas is a town located on Gran Canaria Island. Gran Canaria is one of the Canary Islands, which are off the coast of Africa. These islands are known for their unique plants and animals.
Why is it Critically Endangered?
The main reason this grasshopper is in such trouble is that it hasn't been seen for a very long time. The last time it was officially recorded was in 1949. Scientists are not sure why it disappeared. It could be due to changes in its habitat. For example, new buildings or farms might have taken over the areas where it used to live. Pollution or climate change could also be reasons. When an animal is only found in one small area, it is very vulnerable to these kinds of changes.
What Can We Learn From It?
The story of the Maspalomas bow-legged grasshopper teaches us about protecting nature. Every species, even a small grasshopper, plays a role in its ecosystem. When a species disappears, it can affect other plants and animals. Scientists continue to study and search for rare species like this grasshopper. This helps us understand how to protect other endangered animals around the world.
See also
- Dericorys minutus para niños (In Spanish)
