Nelson Alpine Weta vs Ant Cricket
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Nelson Alpine Weta | Ant Cricket |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Deinacrida tibiospina | Myrmecophilus acervorum |
| Order | Orthoptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Anostostomatidae | Gryllidae |
| Size | 40-60 mm | 2-3 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Woodlands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Parasites |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand - South Island, Nelson) | Europe, Western Asia |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Least Concern |
Nelson Alpine Weta
An alpine weta endemic to the mountains of the Nelson/Marlborough region in New Zealand's South Island. It shelters under rocks during the day and forages on alpine vegetation at night. Its tibial spines are particularly well developed.
Did You Know?
This species is named for the prominent spines on its tibia, which are used defensively when threatened.
Ant Cricket
A minute, wingless cricket that lives inside ant nests as a social parasite. It is oval-shaped and moves quickly among its host ants.
Did You Know?
It acquires its host ants' cuticular hydrocarbons to smell like them, allowing it to live undetected inside their colony.