In a recent rediscovery, invertebrate specialists from the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania’s Threatened Species Section and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG) have located the endangered Schayer's grasshopper in the state's north-west.
The species was unseen in the area for 35 years, with the last recorded sighting dating back to 1988.
"This survey has proven invaluable, confirming the species' persistence in north-west Tasmania and providing additional insights into the poorly understood ecology of the species. It is hoped that further exploration of the site will better inform the management of Schayer's grasshopper," Senior Zoologist Dr Karen Richards said.
Senior Ecologist Dr Jo Potter-Craven said having access to private properties at Woolnorth to look for the grasshoppers was key to the rediscovery.
"We extend our thanks to the land managers and staff who let us access their properties. The survey was also a good collaboration and a chance to exchange knowledge between the Threatened Species Section and Dr Simon Grove of TMAG," Dr Potter-Craven said.
Schayer's grasshopper (Schayera baiulus) is only found in Tasmania and has only been observed in the island's farthest north-western and north-eastern tips.
The grasshopper was first discovered by Adolphus Schayer in 1842 at Woolnorth, then was not seen again for almost 150 years until two specimens were collected in 1988, one at Cape Grim in the north-west and the other in the north-east near Rushy Lagoon.
Threatened Species Section staff also detected the elusive species in the state's north-east at Cape Portland in 2022.
Whilst in the north-west, the team also kept an eye out for the endangered Marrawah skipper butterfly (Oreisplanus munionga subsp. larana), whose caterpillars make distinctive shelters out of leaves of the sedge Carex appressa.
"We were also pleased to find several new locations for the Marrawah skipper butterfly, extending its range to the far north-west around Woolnorth," Dr Potter-Craven said.
Schayer’s grasshopper at Woolnorth.
Marrawah skipper shelter in sedge, showing caterpiller.