Mascarene Spreadwing vs Kaikoura Giant Weta
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mascarene Spreadwing | Kaikoura Giant Weta |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Lestes auripennis | Deinacrida parva |
| Order | Odonata | Orthoptera |
| Family | Lestidae | Anostostomatidae |
| Size | 3.5-4.5 cm | 35-50 mm |
| Habitat | Rivers & Streams | Mountains |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Mauritius, Reunion | Oceania (New Zealand - Kaikoura Range) |
| Conservation | Endangered | Vulnerable |
Mascarene Spreadwing
A rare damselfly endemic to Mauritius and Reunion in the Mascarene Islands. It breeds in slow-flowing streams with overhanging vegetation.
Did You Know?
Most of Mauritius's original wetland habitat has been converted to sugar cane fields.
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.