Kaikoura Giant Weta vs Armoured Ground Cricket
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Kaikoura Giant Weta | Armoured Ground Cricket |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Deinacrida parva | Acanthoplus longipes |
| Order | Orthoptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Anostostomatidae | Tettigoniidae |
| Size | 35-50 mm | 45-60 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand - Kaikoura Range) | Southern Africa |
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Least Concern |
Kaikoura Giant Weta
One of the smaller species of giant weta, endemic to the Seaward Kaikoura Range in the South Island of New Zealand. Despite its name, it is only giant relative to most insects. It inhabits alpine herbfields and scrub near the treeline.
Did You Know?
Despite the species name 'parva' meaning small, this weta still dwarfs most European and North American orthopterans.
Armoured Ground Cricket
A robust flightless katydid covered in sharp spines across its thorax and legs. It is an omnivorous insect found in arid bushveld.
Did You Know?
They are cannibalistic and will devour injured members of their own species during mass marching events.