Kaikoura Giant Weta vs Large Marsh Grasshopper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Kaikoura Giant Weta | Large Marsh Grasshopper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Deinacrida parva | Stethophyma grossum |
| Order | Orthoptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Anostostomatidae | Acrididae |
| Size | 35-50 mm | 20-36 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Omnivores |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand - Kaikoura Range) | Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe |
| 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.
Large Marsh Grasshopper
Europe's largest grasshopper, with bold red, yellow, and green colouring and bright red hindleg tibiae. It requires very wet, boggy habitats and makes a distinctive flicking song.
Did You Know?
Its unique flick-song is produced by the grasshopper snapping its hindleg against its wing in a single crack.