Mountain Stone Weta vs South African Cave Cricket

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mountain Stone Weta South African Cave Cricket
Scientific Name Hemideina maori Speleiacris tabulae
Order Orthoptera Orthoptera
Family Anostostomatidae Rhaphidophoridae
Size 40-60 mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Mountains Caves
Diet Herbivores Fungus Feeders
Regions South Island, New Zealand South Africa
Conservation Least Concern Vulnerable

Mountain Stone Weta

A freeze-tolerant weta found in alpine regions of New Zealand. It shelters under rocks and can survive being frozen solid during harsh winters.

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Did You Know?

It can survive temperatures as low as -10°C by allowing ice to form in its body fluids without cell damage.

South African Cave Cricket

A cave cricket endemic to caves on the Cape Peninsula of South Africa. It has reduced eyes and pale brown coloration.

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Did You Know?

It is one of very few cave crickets known from the African continent.