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Hemideina thoracica
Spotted this nocturnal large tree weta in the upper canopy of a cockscomb coral tree during the daytime drinking water on leaves after a brief rain shower.Tree weta are species of weta in the genus Hemideina of the family Anostostomatidae. They are endemic to New Zealand. There are about 70 species of weta in New Zealand, 16 of which are at risk.
Found in forests and gardens and commonly live in holes in trees.
The word "weta" is the New Zealand name for a large flightless nocternal grasshopper.
Spotted on Feb 14, 2013
Submitted on Feb 14, 2013
4 Comments
lori.tas I agree they are awesome insects it was so unexpected to see this very large one in the middle of the day must have been really thirsty
Awesome insects, Wetas.
Thanks Philip
Magnificent species and excellent close up Jill!