Tree Weta

 

There are 6 species of Tree Weta

  • The tree weta is sometimes known as the bush weta
  • The tree weta is the most common type of weta and usually makes its home in the holes of trees
  • The male tree weta is quite aggressive and it will fight another male weta
  • It hisses and bites when threatened
  • The tree weta has a varied diet and will eat both plants and other insects (this means that it is omnivorous)
  • The male weta tends to be quite a hit with the lady weta. One male often lives with up to ten females

Female Tree Weta
Can you see the ovipositor? It looks like a sting but it isn't, it's for laying eggs.

 

If you find a weta at home, it will most likely be a tree weta. Remember to put it somewhere safe after you have looked at it and please don't kill it.

The male tree weta bite can be a little painful - but there is no reason to be afraid of it, especially if you compare it to the size of humans!

 

Photograph by George Gibbs

This is a male Banks Peninsula Tree Weta.

Wow - doesn't it have a big head!

 

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The Kiwi Conservation Club is a Forest and Bird project for children.
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