Weta is the common name for a group of about 100 insect species in the families Anostostomatidae and Rhaphidophoridae, endemic to New Zealand. Giant flightless crickets, some weta are among the heaviest insects in the world; generally nocturnal, most small species are carnivores and scavengers while the larger species are herbivorous. Although some native birds likely prey on them, weta are disproportionately preyed upon by introduced mammals, and some species are now critically endangered.
Facts
Classification
DietDetritivore or Scavenger 1 System (Realm) Relationship to People Living or Extinct Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceHind legs enlarged and usually very spiny, and many species are wingless 1 Scientific NameAnostostomatidae and Rhaphidophoridae 1 Connections
Child Taxon Of
Source GBIF Backbone Taxonomy: Anostostomatidae and Rhaphidophoridae
In Biome
In the Other Atlases
Found In
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Sources
1. Wētā - Wikipedia
General characteristics section
the hind legs are enlarged and usually very spiny. Many are wingless
- endemic insects of New Zealand land habitat
article text (relationship to people), EntityId 309809
They readily occupy a preformed gallery in a piece of wood (a "wētā motel") and can be kept in a suburban garden as pets.
Lead
in the families Anostostomatidae and Rhaphidophoridae
In Biome: Grassland, Habitat: Grassland
wētā are found in a variety of environments, including alpine, forests, grasslands, caves, shrub lands and urban gardens.
In Biome: Alpine, Habitat: Alpine
wētā are found in a variety of environments, including alpine, forests, grasslands, caves, shrub lands and urban gardens.
View the Source2. Wētā (Wikipedia)
GBIF Backbone Taxonomy: Anostostomatidae and Rhaphidophoridae
GBIF Backbone TaxonomyChild Taxon Of: Orthoptera, Taxon recordQuote, Child Taxon Of: Orthoptera, Taxon record
"order": "Orthoptera"
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