About Sigaus australis (Hutton, 1898)
This species has the scientific name Sigaus australis (Hutton, 1898). Sigaus australis has small micropterous wings measuring between 2–4 millimetres (0.079–0.157 in), which makes this species flightless, like most New Zealand grasshoppers. It is highly cryptic with colour polymorphism, and individuals match their surrounding vegetation using green and earth-tone colours. Sigaus australis is found in the southern half of New Zealand’s South Island, in the Otago and Canterbury regions. Its range extends south to the Takitimu Mountains and north to the Torless Range, at coordinates 43°14′39″S 171°48′34″E. The species prefers tussock grasslands located 1,300–1,700 metres (4,300–5,600 ft) in elevation, but it can be found as low as 200 metres (660 ft) on the Alexandra Tailings, at coordinates 45°14′49″S 169°22′07″E, and as high as 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) on Smite Peak, at coordinates 43°21′10″S 171°14′17″E. Evidence from mtDNA sequencing indicates that the group labeled S. australis includes several narrow endemic taxa plus one widespread species. During the last glacial period, S. australis had a much larger distribution, and both morphological and genetic data show the species had greater population connectivity in the past. Due to climate warming and its low dispersal potential, S. australis is projected to lose between 75% and 93% of its suitable habitat by 2070.
