South African Cave Cricket vs Mountain Stone Weta

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute South African Cave Cricket Mountain Stone Weta
Scientific Name Speleiacris tabulae Hemideina maori
Order Orthoptera Orthoptera
Family Rhaphidophoridae Anostostomatidae
Size 12-18 mm 40-60 mm
Habitat Caves Mountains
Diet Fungus Feeders Herbivores
Regions South Africa South Island, New Zealand
Conservation Vulnerable Least Concern

South African Cave Cricket

A cave cricket endemic to caves on the Cape Peninsula of South Africa. It has reduced eyes and pale brown coloration.

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Did You Know?

It is one of very few cave crickets known from the African continent.

Mountain Stone Weta

A freeze-tolerant weta found in alpine regions of New Zealand. It shelters under rocks and can survive being frozen solid during harsh winters.

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Did You Know?

It can survive temperatures as low as -10°C by allowing ice to form in its body fluids without cell damage.