Cook Strait Giant Weta vs European Beewolf

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cook Strait Giant Weta European Beewolf
Scientific Name Deinacrida rugosa Philanthus triangulum
Order Orthoptera Hymenoptera
Family Anostostomatidae Crabronidae
Size 60-70 mm body length 12-18 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Beaches & Coastal
Diet Fruit Feeders Predators
Regions Oceania Western Europe, Central Europe, Southern Europe
Conservation Vulnerable Least Concern

Cook Strait Giant Weta

One of the heaviest insects in the world, endemic to New Zealand. It is a nocturnal insect that hides in crevices and under logs during the day.

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Did You Know?

Giant weta can weigh over 70 grams, making them heavier than a house sparrow and one of the heaviest insects on Earth.

European Beewolf

A large, striking yellow-and-black solitary wasp that specialises in hunting honeybees. Females paralyse bees in flight and carry them back to sandy burrow nests.

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Did You Know?

Females embalm their honeybee prey with an antifungal secretion to keep it fresh for their larvae.