Tree Weta vs South African Cave Cricket

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tree Weta South African Cave Cricket
Scientific Name Hemideina thoracica Speleiacris tabulae
Order Orthoptera Orthoptera
Family Anostostomatidae Rhaphidophoridae
Size 40-60 mm body length 12-18 mm
Habitat Woodlands Caves
Diet Fruit Feeders Fungus Feeders
Regions Oceania South Africa
Conservation Least Concern Vulnerable

Tree Weta

A common weta species found throughout the North Island of New Zealand. It shelters in tree holes during the day and forages for food at night.

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Did You Know?

Tree weta can survive being frozen solid; their blood contains special proteins that prevent ice crystals from damaging their cells.

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.