Original Ink Drawing: "High Altitude Grasshopper" New Zealand Species

Sigaus piliferus, which inhabits alpine and sub-alpine regions, has a wide variety of colorings adapted to the vegetation of its surroundings. This is the only alpine grasshopper found in the North Island. The remainder of the alpine species are all South Island dwellers.

The adults of all but one of the new Zealand species, and their developing nymphs, have abbreviated wings and do not fly. All of the non-flying species are alpine or sub-alpine dwellers 0.5in to 2in in length.

The single flying species is a tiny lowland dweller 0.3in to 0.75in in length (Phaulacrydium marginale).