Cook Strait Giant Weta vs Katanga Squeaker

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Cook Strait Giant Weta Katanga Squeaker
Scientific Name Deinacrida rugosa Brachytrupes membranaceus
Order Orthoptera Orthoptera
Family Anostostomatidae Gryllidae
Size 60-70 mm body length 35-55mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Deserts & Drylands
Diet Fruit Feeders Herbivores
Regions Oceania Africa
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.

Katanga Squeaker

A very large burrowing cricket with a broad head and powerful jaws. It digs deep vertical burrows up to 50cm deep. Males call loudly from their burrow entrances at dusk.

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Did You Know?

It pulls leaves down into its burrow to eat and plugs the entrance with a ball of soil during the day.