Eastern Lubber Grasshopper vs Mount Cook Giant Weta
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Eastern Lubber Grasshopper | Mount Cook Giant Weta |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Romalea microptera | Deinacrida pluvialis |
| Order | Orthoptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Romaleidae | Anostostomatidae |
| Size | 50-80 mm | 45-65 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Mountains |
| Diet | Predators | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America | Oceania (New Zealand - South Island, Westland) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
Eastern Lubber Grasshopper
A large, brightly colored grasshopper with short wings that cannot fly. Its bold yellow, red, and black coloration warns predators of its toxic secretions.
Did You Know?
When threatened, lubber grasshoppers secrete a foul-smelling, toxic froth from their thoracic spiracles that can sicken birds.
Mount Cook Giant Weta
A rare alpine giant weta restricted to high-altitude zones in the western ranges of the South Island. It inhabits subalpine scrub and tussock. Like other alpine weta, it has evolved remarkable freeze tolerance.
Did You Know?
Despite its common name, this weta is more commonly found in the mountain ranges of Westland rather than near Aoraki/Mount Cook itself.