New Zealand Cave Weta vs Aquatic Pygmy Grasshopper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute New Zealand Cave Weta Aquatic Pygmy Grasshopper
Scientific Name Pachyrhamma edwardsii Scelimena producta
Order Orthoptera Orthoptera
Family Rhaphidophoridae Tetrigidae
Size 20-40 mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Caves Rivers & Streams
Diet Fungus Feeders Herbivores
Regions New Zealand Southeast Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

New Zealand Cave Weta

A large cave weta found throughout New Zealand's North Island caves. It has massive hind legs and can grow quite large.

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Did You Know?

Weta are sometimes called the 'mice of New Zealand' for their ecological role.

Aquatic Pygmy Grasshopper

A remarkable semi-aquatic pygmy grasshopper with paddle-like hind legs used for swimming. It dives and swims underwater to feed on aquatic algae.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the very few grasshoppers in the world that can swim underwater, using its flattened hind legs as paddles.