Wart-biter Cricket vs Mount Cook Giant Weta
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Wart-biter Cricket | Mount Cook Giant Weta |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Decticus verrucivorus | Deinacrida pluvialis |
| Order | Orthoptera | Orthoptera |
| Family | Tettigoniidae | Anostostomatidae |
| Size | 30-40mm | 45-65 mm |
| Habitat | Mountains | Mountains |
| Diet | Omnivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe, Asia | Oceania (New Zealand - South Island, Westland) |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Endangered |
Wart-biter Cricket
A large bush-cricket with mottled green and brown coloring. Males produce a loud sustained song to attract mates. Historically used in Sweden to bite off warts.
Did You Know?
Swedish peasants historically let this cricket bite off their warts, giving it its common name.
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.