Weta

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.