Mahoenui Giant Weta vs Kentucky Cave Cricket
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mahoenui Giant Weta | Kentucky Cave Cricket |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Deinacrida mahoenui | Ceuthophilus stygius |
| Order | Orthoptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Anostostomatidae | Rhaphidophoridae |
| Size | Body 50-70 mm | 13-25 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Caves |
| Diet | Herbivores | Fungus Feeders |
| Regions | New Zealand | United States |
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
Mahoenui Giant Weta
A critically threatened giant weta originally surviving in a single patch of introduced gorse scrub. It is brown with lighter banding and is largely arboreal.
Did You Know?
Ironically, the invasive gorse bush has protected this weta from predators by providing spiny refuge.
Kentucky Cave Cricket
A large cave cricket found throughout the cave systems of Kentucky and surrounding states. It has extremely long antennae and powerful jumping legs.
Did You Know?
It leaves caves at night to forage and brings nutrients back into the cave ecosystem.