Spring Alpine Stonefly vs Nelson Alpine Giant Weta

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spring Alpine Stonefly Nelson Alpine Giant Weta
Scientific Name Rhabdiopteryx alpina Deinacrida fallai
Order Plecoptera Orthoptera
Family Taeniopterygidae Anostostomatidae
Size 8-12 mm body length 70-90 mm body
Habitat Mountains Mountains
Diet Detritivores Fruit Feeders
Regions Alps, Central Europe Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Vulnerable

Spring Alpine Stonefly

An early-emerging stonefly that appears in spring along cold mountain streams. Adults can often be seen resting on streamside rocks.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the first insects to emerge after snowmelt in alpine streams.

Nelson Alpine Giant Weta

A giant weta found above the tree line in the mountains of northwest Nelson, New Zealand. Nocturnal and ground-dwelling, surviving harsh alpine conditions.

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Did You Know?

This giant weta lives above the tree line at over 1,200 meters elevation, enduring snowfall and near-freezing temperatures that would kill most tropical insects.