The Mahoenui giant wētā
Photo: Department of Conservation
The Mahoenui giant wētā is one of the world s largest insects, measuring up to seven centimetres and weighing approximately 15-grams.
Found in only four North Island locations, they are classified as at risk but recovering, and face threats from introduced predators and fire.
They were taken from the Mahoenui Scientific Reserve near Te Kuiti. The wētā live in gorse, so we had a team in the reserve yesterday searching the prickly plants for good healthy adult specimens, DOC Senior Ranger Biodiversity Jon Sadler said. The wētā are taonga for Māori, so representatives from local hapū Mōkau ki Runga supported us on this project and worked alongside us on the collection.
Rare Giant Wētā On Move To Help Save Species
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Community Scoop » Rare Giant Wētā On Move To Help Save Species
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