Red Locust vs Mahoenui Giant Weta
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Red Locust | Mahoenui Giant Weta |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Nomadacris septemfasciata | Deinacrida mahoenui |
| Order | Orthoptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Acrididae | Anostostomatidae |
| Size | 50-70 mm | Body 50-70 mm |
| Habitat | Grasslands | Forests |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Southern Africa, Central Africa, East Africa | New Zealand |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Endangered |
Red Locust
A large brown and red locust that swarms periodically from outbreak areas in Central and Southern Africa. It has distinctive red hindwings visible in flight.
Did You Know?
The International Red Locust Control Organization was created specifically to monitor and prevent outbreaks of this species.
Mahoenui Giant Weta
A critically threatened giant weta originally surviving in a single patch of introduced gorse scrub. It is brown with lighter banding and is largely arboreal.
Did You Know?
Ironically, the invasive gorse bush has protected this weta from predators by providing spiny refuge.