Pink grasshopper 'from Barbie Land' spotted in Derbyshire

An unusual pink grasshopper has been photographed in Derbyshire.

The insect, which is coloured pink due to a genetic mutation, was found in Hartington Meadows, near Buxton.

The field grasshopper nymph may lose its colour as it grows or it might develop into a purple-coloured adult, according to the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust.

"We aren't ruling out them visiting from Barbie Land," the trust joked on social media.

The insect's pink hue is a result of erythrism, a congenital condition that causes too much red pigment and not enough black.

Carole Boon, who manages the Derbyshire Biological Records Centre, photographed the grasshopper while on a training day.

"They may not survive long as they are easily spotted by predators," she said.

"They're not a rare species but it is an unusual colour."

The wildlife trust shared the photo on their Facebook page with the caption: "Hey Barbie!"

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