Zayante Band-winged Grasshopper vs Tree Weta

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Zayante Band-winged Grasshopper Tree Weta
Scientific Name Trimerotropis infantilis Hemideina thoracica
Order Orthoptera Orthoptera
Family Acrididae Anostostomatidae
Size 2-3 cm 40-60 mm body length
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Fruit Feeders
Regions United States Oceania
Conservation Endangered Least Concern

Zayante Band-winged Grasshopper

A small grasshopper found only in sand parkland habitats in Santa Cruz County, California. It is superbly camouflaged against the grey Zayante sand.

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Did You Know?

Its entire world range covers less than 600 acres of sandy habitat in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

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.