Weta Piki (Jumping Weta) vs Heath Grasshopper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Weta Piki (Jumping Weta) Heath Grasshopper
Scientific Name Hemiandrus pallitarsis Chorthippus vagans
Order Orthoptera Orthoptera
Family Anostostomatidae Acrididae
Size 15-25 mm 12-18mm
Habitat Forests Heathland
Diet Detritivores Herbivores
Regions Oceania (New Zealand) Europe
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

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.

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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.

Heath Grasshopper

A small brown grasshopper confined to heathland. One of the rarest grasshoppers in Britain.

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Did You Know?

Confined to a handful of heathland sites in Dorset and threatened by heathland loss and scrub encroachment.