Kaikoura Giant Weta vs Broad-backed Grouse Locust

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Kaikoura Giant Weta Broad-backed Grouse Locust
Scientific Name Deinacrida parva Nomotettix cristatus
Order Orthoptera Orthoptera
Family Anostostomatidae Tetrigidae
Size 35-50 mm 8-12 mm
Habitat Mountains Forests
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Oceania (New Zealand - Kaikoura Range) Eastern North America
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.

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Did You Know?

Despite the species name 'parva' meaning small, this weta still dwarfs most European and North American orthopterans.

Broad-backed Grouse Locust

A pygmy grasshopper with a high crested pronotum that gives it a broad-backed appearance. It inhabits dry forest floors in eastern North America.

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Did You Know?

Its tall pronotal crest makes it look remarkably like a tiny piece of bark or wood chip on the forest floor.