Scaly Cricket vs Mount Cook Giant Weta
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Scaly Cricket | Mount Cook Giant Weta |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pseudomogoplistes vicentae | Deinacrida pluvialis |
| Order | Orthoptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Mogoplistidae | Anostostomatidae |
| Size | 7-11mm | 45-65 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Mountains |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Oceania (New Zealand - South Island, Westland) |
| Conservation | Endangered | Endangered |
Scaly Cricket
A tiny wingless cricket covered in iridescent scales. It lives on shingle beaches above the high-tide line. It is extremely secretive, hiding under pebbles during the day.
Did You Know?
It is one of the rarest insects in Britain, found on only a handful of shingle beaches.
Mount Cook Giant Weta
A rare alpine giant weta restricted to high-altitude zones in the western ranges of the South Island. It inhabits subalpine scrub and tussock. Like other alpine weta, it has evolved remarkable freeze tolerance.
Did You Know?
Despite its common name, this weta is more commonly found in the mountain ranges of Westland rather than near Aoraki/Mount Cook itself.