Giant wetas are species of weta in the genus Deinacrida of the family Anostostomatidae. Giant wetas are endemic to New Zealand, and are examples of island gigantism.
There are 11 species of giant weta, most of which are significantly larger than other weta, despite already being large by insect standards. They are heavy insects with a body length of up to 10 cm (4 in) not inclusive of its lengthy legs and antennae, and weigh more than 70 g (2.5 oz), making it one of the heaviest documented insects in the world 1 and heavier than a sparrow. The largest species of giant weta is the Little Barrier Island giant weta also known as the wetapunga. Giant weta tend to be less social and more passive than other weta. Their genus name, Deinacrida, is Greek for terrible grasshopper. They are found primarily on New Zealand offshore islands, having been almost exterminated on the mainland islands by introduced mammalian pests.
Species
- Deinacrida carinata Salmon, 1950 Herekopare giant weta
- Deinacrida connectens (Ander, 1939) Alpine scree giant weta
- Deinacrida elegans Gibbs, 1999 Bluff giant weta
- Deinacrida fallai Salmon, 1950 Poor Knights giant weta
- Deinacrida heteracantha White, 1842 Little Barrier Island giant weta
- Deinacrida mahoenui Gibbs, 1999 Mahoenui giant weta
- Deinacrida parva Buller, 1895 Kaikoura giant weta
- Deinacrida pluvialis Gibbs, 1999 Giant weta
- Deinacrida rugosa Buller, 1871 Cook Strait giant weta
- Deinacrida talpa Gibbs, 1999 Giant mole weta
- Deinacrida tibiospina (Salmon, 1950) Mt Arthur giant weta
References
- ^ "Book of Insect Records".
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