Weta Piki (Jumping Weta) vs Brassy Willow Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Weta Piki (Jumping Weta) | Brassy Willow Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hemiandrus pallitarsis | Phratora vitellinae |
| Order | Orthoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Anostostomatidae | Chrysomelidae |
| Size | 15-25 mm | 3-5 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Rivers & Streams |
| Diet | Detritivores | Detritivores |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | Europe, Northern Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Weta Piki (Jumping Weta)
A small ground weta endemic to New Zealand, found in forest leaf litter. It is nocturnal and burrows into the soil during the day. Ground weta are the most species-rich group of weta, with many species still being discovered and described.
Did You Know?
New species of ground weta are still being discovered in New Zealand, with more than 40 species now known, many identified only in the last two decades.
Brassy Willow Beetle
A small, shiny metallic bronze to greenish beetle that feeds on willow and poplar. Adults overwinter in leaf litter and emerge in spring to colonize new willow growth.
Did You Know?
Larvae secrete salicylaldehyde, a chemical obtained from salicin in willow leaves, which smells like antiseptic and deters predators.