Key’s Matchstick Grasshopper
This distinctive grasshopper is flightless and has a long, stretched body shape.
Not seen since the 1960s and once thought to have been extinct in Victoria, the endangered Key’s Matchstick Grasshopper (Keyacris scurra) was rediscovered in 2018. They come from a uniquely Australian group, the Morabine Grasshoppers.
Unlike summer-growing species, the Key’s Matchstick Grasshopper is active over the cooler months of the year and provides an important food source when other invertebrates are dormant. They hatch from their eggs as early as January; however, they are often only visible from March as they grow and other grasshopper species become less prevalent. Warm sunny days throughout autumn, winter and spring are the best conditions to view this small yet special grasshopper.
Major threats
As little as two per cent of the grasshopper’s grassland and grassy woodland habitat remains since European colonisation. The species is holding on in tiny patches of remnant grasslands as small of 0.15 hectares.
These grasslands generally support the native daisies the grasshoppers require as food plants and the tussock grasses used for shelter.
Without wings, the Key’s Matchstick Grasshopper is unable to move between remnant patches, causing each remaining population to be unique and important for the species to persist into the future.
The plan for fighting extinction
In September 2024, 100 Key’s Matchstick Grasshoppers made a homecoming to protected Taungurong grasslands at the Euroa Arboretum. This newly established population will help spread the risk of species extinction from increasing fire and flood events.
University of Melbourne and Zoos Victoria are working together to discover more about the species and its habitat needs. Habitat restoration, translocation and monitoring all play a role in the conservation of this species.
The team is actively surveying for suitable habitat which could be a future home for this species. These areas could be remnant pockets of Kangaroo Grass grassland or newly created and revegetated areas that have the elements that the grasshoppers require. Having knowledge of these locations across the species' historic range allows Zoos Victoria to develop plans for future translocations.
How you can help
- Plant local indigenous flora. This will help many invertebrates that rely on local plants for food, shelter and protection. Euroa Arboretum runs an indigenous nursery that stocks local varieties and can help you make invertebrate-friendly choices. Other tube stock nurseries within the species range may also have plants suitable for grassland planting.
- When travelling in north-eastern Victoria, be aware of patches of remnant bush. Areas of Kangaroo Grass and native daisies might be home to this endangered grasshopper.
- Donate if you can. As a not-for-profit organisation, all donations go towards our important conservation efforts.
- Discover more about local conservation events and join the growing number of activists taking action for local wildlife.
Is your classroom learning about the Key's Matchstick Grasshopper?
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