Alpine Weevil vs Banks Peninsula Tree Weta
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Alpine Weevil | Banks Peninsula Tree Weta |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Otiorhynchus morio | Hemideina ricta |
| Order | Coleoptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Curculionidae | Anostostomatidae |
| Size | 8-12 mm | 35-50 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Hedgerows |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Alps, Central Europe | Oceania (New Zealand - Banks Peninsula) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
Alpine Weevil
A large, black flightless weevil of alpine and subalpine zones. It feeds on roots and leaves of low-growing mountain plants.
Did You Know?
Being flightless, isolated mountain populations have diverged into many local forms.
Banks Peninsula Tree Weta
The rarest tree weta in New Zealand, restricted to Banks Peninsula near Christchurch. It was not described as a distinct species until 1993. Habitat loss and predation by introduced mammals have reduced its population to critically low levels.
Did You Know?
This weta was only recognised as its own species in 1993, having been overlooked among the more common Canterbury tree weta for over a century.