Auckland Tree Weta (Hemideina thoracica)

V

Violet

Arachnosquire
Old Timer
Joined
Aug 18, 2009
Messages
125
Auckland Tree Weta (Hemideina thoracica)
Found this female in the garden today. Truly amazing insects, this one isn’t fully grown yet but still very impressive. There’s over 70 species of Weta found only in New Zealand. The largest species, The Little Barrier Giant Weta or Wetapunga can grow up to 9cm long.

Weta are nocturnal and feed mainly on plant matter and fungi, during the day they hide in holes in trees. I found this one in a dead Agapanthus flower stem.
I was thinking about keeping her, but there is very little info about captive care of them.






Check those antenna!



Defensive position




After taking the photos I released her into the same plant she was caught in.

Questions and comments welcome
 
V

Violet

Arachnosquire
Old Timer
Joined
Aug 18, 2009
Messages
125
Endagr8 said:
That's very cool. :clap:

Aren't the Wetapunga endangered?
Click to expand...
Unfortunately introduced pests such as rats and cats have made them extinct on the mainland, they are now only found on one off shore island.

Ironically, the reason they survive on that island is because to two more introduced pests; feral goats and gorse, the goats eat the gorse till it becomes very thick and dense and predators can’t get through the spines. haha
 
S

spiderfield

Arachnobaron
Old Timer
Joined
Apr 13, 2009
Messages
536
Beautiful insect! I've always wanted to see one in person....someday i'll knock New Zealand off my travel list. ;)
 
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