Auckland Tree Weta

Description:

This large endemic Ensiferan has the typical long antennae and the females have a distinctive ovipositor. These images show a male. Like all NZ species they are wingless, have a set of 5-7 pairs of spines on their back legs and their auditory tympanal organs (ears) are clearly seen on their fore legs.

Habitat:

Essentially a vegetarian, this species is generally found in trees during the day. They eat leaves, flowers and fruit, favouring lacebark and mahoe trees. However they are known to descend to ground level to forage esp at night. This species is found in the northern half of the North Island.

Notes:

I found this guy on the beach of all places at the high tide mark after a heavy rain shower. Not really where I expected to find one.