Austrocarausius Stick Insect vs Nelson Alpine Weta
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Austrocarausius Stick Insect | Nelson Alpine Weta |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Austrocarausius mercurius | Deinacrida tibiospina |
| Order | Phasmatodea | Orthoptera |
| Family | Lonchodidae | Anostostomatidae |
| Size | 4-6 cm | 40-60 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Mountains |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Australia (Queensland) | Oceania (New Zealand - South Island, Nelson) |
| Conservation | Data Deficient | Near Threatened |
Austrocarausius Stick Insect
A small, cryptic stick insect found in remnant rainforest patches of Queensland. It is part of a genus with several recently discovered cryptic species.
Did You Know?
Integrative taxonomy revealed multiple cryptic species hiding within what was thought to be a single species.
Nelson Alpine Weta
An alpine weta endemic to the mountains of the Nelson/Marlborough region in New Zealand's South Island. It shelters under rocks during the day and forages on alpine vegetation at night. Its tibial spines are particularly well developed.
Did You Know?
This species is named for the prominent spines on its tibia, which are used defensively when threatened.