A rare Appalachian grasshopper, unseen for nearly 80 years, has been officially documented in Virginia. Zoologist Andrew Rapp, with the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, rediscovered the Appalachia hebardi in Augusta County.
Rapp's discovery marks a significant moment for the species, once believed to be extinct. The grasshopper, known for its impressive camouflage, had only been documented in a few counties across Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
Key details about the rediscovery:
The rediscovered specimen was an adult female, approximately 1 to 1.5 inches long.
The grasshopper was found in a pile of gravel on the side of the road.
Rapp believes the species may have been overlooked due to habitat changes and a lack of surveys in the right areas.
This rediscovery could spark renewed interest in the species, potentially leading to further identifications and conservation efforts across its historic range.