Venetian Cave Springtail vs New Zealand Cave Weta

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Venetian Cave Springtail New Zealand Cave Weta
Scientific Name Deuteraphorura venetiana Pachyrhamma edwardsii
Order Collembola Orthoptera
Family Onychiuridae Rhaphidophoridae
Size 0.8-1.5 mm 20-40 mm
Habitat Caves Caves
Diet Fungus Feeders Fungus Feeders
Regions Italy New Zealand
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Venetian Cave Springtail

A blind white springtail recently described from caves in northeastern Italy. It has no eyes and a completely reduced jumping organ.

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Did You Know?

Like many cave springtails, it has lost the ability to jump.

New Zealand Cave Weta

A large cave weta found throughout New Zealand's North Island caves. It has massive hind legs and can grow quite large.

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Did You Know?

Weta are sometimes called the 'mice of New Zealand' for their ecological role.