GIANT WETA - by request
Deinacrida heteracantha
© Louise Murray/Science Photo LibraryThere are about 70 species of weta, they are large brown wingless insect (family Stenopelmatidae) related to the grasshoppers. This species of weta, also known as the Wetapunga from the Maori language, is native to New Zealand. Adults can measure up to 4 inches/10cm long without including the antenna and legs, and pregnant females can weigh over 2.5 ounces/70 grams, making them the heaviest insects in the world. Giant weta are flightless and have survived on New Zealand since prehistoric times due to the absence of land mammals. The introduction of rats, cats, stoats and other mammals onto New Zealand have reduced the Giant weta populations to Little Barrier Island. The Giant weta is too heavy to jump but when threatened, raise their spiny hind limbs into the air. These nocturnal insects feed on plants and fungi.
Fact & Photo: http://www.sciencephoto.com/media/368584/enlarge
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kUFjtgAPF5U
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That’s about the size of a deer mouse… I want one.
(via insectlove)
