Rare pink grasshopper spotted in Texas, photos show. It may not be long for this world

A rare pink grasshopper was recently spotted near the Texas Gulf Coast — but the pretty bug likely doesn’t have long to live, wildlife officials said.

The colorful insect was seen hopping around Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, the refuge said in a May 7 Facebook post, sharing a picture.

The bug’s vibrant exoskeleton is the result of a rare genetic mutation, called erythrism, which causes the body to produce too much red pigment and too little dark pigment, officials said.

“No he’s just sunburned,” one commenter wrote. “Get him an umbrella.”

“So pretty. I hope he will be okay,” wrote another.

While many agreed the mutation is aesthetically pleasing, the grasshopper would probably feel differently.

“Because these bright pink ‘hoppers are not well-camouflaged, they’re much more likely to be eaten by predators,” the post said. “Good luck, little one!”

If it’s any consolation, grasshoppers have a short lifespan to begin with, so perhaps it’s better to go out bright and pink.

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is roughly 150 miles southeast of San Antonio.

This story was originally published May 9, 2023 at 12:03 PM with the headline "Rare pink grasshopper spotted in Texas, photos show. It may not be long for this world."