New Zealand Cave Weta vs Desert Locust

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute New Zealand Cave Weta Desert Locust
Scientific Name Pachyrhamma edwardsii Schistocerca gregaria
Order Orthoptera Orthoptera
Family Rhaphidophoridae Acrididae
Size 20-40 mm 45-60 mm
Habitat Caves Farmland
Diet Fungus Feeders Herbivores
Regions New Zealand Africa, 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.

Desert Locust

Forms enormous swarms of billions that devastate crops across Africa and Asia. A single swarm can cover 1,200 square km and eat as much food as 35,000 people daily.

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Did You Know?

A large locust swarm can contain 80 million individuals per square kilometer and travel 150 km per day, consuming their own body weight in food daily.