Mercury Islands Tusked Weta vs Malaysian Katydid
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mercury Islands Tusked Weta | Malaysian Katydid |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Motuweta isolata | Ancylecha fenestrata |
| Order | Orthoptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Anostostomatidae | Tettigoniidae |
| Size | 40-50 mm body | 50-70 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Gardens |
| Diet | Seed Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Oceania | Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines |
| Conservation | Vulnerable | Not Evaluated |
Mercury Islands Tusked Weta
One of New Zealands rarest insects, found only on Middle Mercury Island. Males have curved tusks on their mandibles used in territorial combat with rivals.
Did You Know?
This weta is so rare it was not discovered until 1970, living on a single 13-hectare island — males have tusks protruding from their jaws, unique among weta species.
Malaysian Katydid
A large bright green katydid with a distinctive transparent window in each forewing. It is commonly found in tropical gardens and is attracted to lights at night.
Did You Know?
The transparent oval windows in its forewings are thought to aid camouflage by breaking up its outline.