weta
New Zealand insect
A weta is a large, heavy-bodied insect native to New Zealand, resembling a cricket or grasshopper but much bigger—some species rank among the world's heaviest insects.
Wetas are nocturnal and flightless, with long antennae and spiny legs.
The name comes from Māori.
We found a tree weta hiding in a hollow log.
Indigenous name for NZ
- MaoriNew Zealand's indigenous people
- kiwiFuzzy brown-skinned fruit
- tuataraLast rhynchocephalian species
- endemicNative to one area
kauri · Wellington · Auckland · manuka · Rotorua · native · bush
Sensory appendages on insects
- exoskeletonExternal skeletal structure
- mandiblesPaired arthropod mouthparts
- arthropodJointed-limb invertebrate phylum
- orthopteraInsect order with leathery forewings
invertebrate · thorax · abdomen · chitin · ovipositor · six-legged · molting · entomology
At risk of extinction
- threatenedExpressed intent to harm
- protectionGuarding against harm
- habitatOrganism's natural environment
- endemicNative to one area
biodiversity · extinction · preservation · decline · survival · rare · recovery · breeding program
Dark hours between dusk and dawn
- darknessTotal absence of light
- duskDimming after sundown
- twilightLight after sunset
- crepuscularRelating to dusk
moonlight · hiding · burrows · galleries · bark · leaf litter · sheltering · emergence
Of great mass
Chirping legged insect
- katydidLong-horned green grasshopper
- grasshopperJumping insect, long legs
- locustSwarming crop-eating insect
- cave cricketLong-legged subterranean insect
Aotearoa
Indigenous name for NZ
- MaoriNew Zealand's indigenous people
- kiwiFuzzy brown-skinned fruit
- tuataraLast rhynchocephalian species
endemic · kauri · Wellington · Auckland · manuka · Rotorua · native · bush
antennae
Sensory appendages on insects
- exoskeletonExternal skeletal structure
- mandiblesPaired arthropod mouthparts
- arthropodJointed-limb invertebrate phylum
orthoptera · invertebrate · thorax · abdomen · chitin · ovipositor · six-legged · molting · entomology · camouflage
endangered
At risk of extinction
- threatenedExpressed intent to harm
- protectionGuarding against harm
- habitatOrganism's natural environment
endemic · biodiversity · extinction · preservation · decline · survival · rare · recovery · breeding program · sanctuary
nighttime
Dark hours between dusk and dawn
crepuscular · moonlight · hiding · burrows · galleries · bark · leaf litter · sheltering · emergence · foraging
heavy
Of great mass
cricket
Chirping legged insect
- katydidLong-horned green grasshopper
- grasshopperJumping insect, long legs
- locustSwarming crop-eating insect
wetagrasshopper
Jumping insect, long legs
cricket · locust · katydid · mole cricket