6.2 Epipodisma pedemontana (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1882)

Ch: ALPW; ERL: NT; P-V; %C: 30.22; ER: 1785-2920 m; Ph: VII-XI

Although the distribution range of E. pedemontana is restricted to high elevations in the Cottian and Graian Alps (Sindaco et al. 2012; Sardet et al. 2015), this species is one on the most common orthopterans in the MNP, occurring in most alpine grasslands and shrublands. According to the available data, the specimen observed at 2920 m in the Varaita Valley (Punta Losetta, Pontechianale; 27/08/2020; DG) represents an altitudinal record throughout the E. pedemontana ’s range. Due to its expected vulnerability to climate change, this species has been classified as Near-threatened by Hochkirch et al. (2016).