Mount Cook Giant Weta vs Solomon's Seal Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Mount Cook Giant Weta | Solomon's Seal Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Deinacrida pluvialis | Phymatocera aterrima |
| Order | Orthoptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Anostostomatidae | Tenthredinidae |
| Size | 45-65 mm | 8-10 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Underground |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand - South Island, Westland) | Europe |
| Conservation | Endangered | Least Concern |
Mount Cook Giant Weta
A rare alpine giant weta restricted to high-altitude zones in the western ranges of the South Island. It inhabits subalpine scrub and tussock. Like other alpine weta, it has evolved remarkable freeze tolerance.
Did You Know?
Despite its common name, this weta is more commonly found in the mountain ranges of Westland rather than near Aoraki/Mount Cook itself.
Solomon's Seal Sawfly
A small, entirely black sawfly whose grayish-white larvae with black heads are highly destructive to Solomon's seal plants. Larvae feed from the leaf edges inward.
Did You Know?
The larvae are so well camouflaged against the undersides of Solomon's seal leaves that gardeners often only notice them after severe damage is done.