The Armoured troopers
This giant Weta can only be found in limited area of New Zealand. It can grow up to 10 cm in length, 5 years in lifespan. Giant Wetas can weight more than 60g, which makes them one of the heaviest of all insects.
The name ‘Weta’ was derived from New Zealand Maori words, meaning ‘spirit of ugly things’. The physical appearance of this insect may looks like katydid, grasshopper or cricket but the hind legs are enlarged and spiny. Many of them are wingless and predators.
Wetas are not great leapers like their cousins – katydid, grasshopper and cricket. But with the surprisingly speed and the power of the rear leg, and tough skin he always put on, this solider is like an army trooper with fully armoured protector in the battlefield.
AddGrainOnEarth 
June 24, 2013 at 12:39 am
[…] will be the first of four planned transfers of up to 450 weta over four […]
June 24, 2013 at 11:55 am
Thank you! 🙂
June 24, 2013 at 1:08 am
Which parts are edible? Those legs don’t look too tasty. In the Philippines I was served grasshoppers and immature field crickets in different recipes. That sounds like some field research for your next trip to New Zealand! 😉
June 24, 2013 at 11:57 am
No, they are not edible! If you insist and risk you life, better buy insurance 1st! 😉
June 24, 2013 at 10:36 pm
Hi Sydney. They look like unfriendly folk to me.
June 24, 2013 at 11:52 pm
Indeed, this is a fear-some insect, good to know as a knowledge! 🙂
June 26, 2013 at 2:02 am
Spirit of ugly things, indeed! [shudder!]
Great post. 🙂
June 28, 2013 at 9:59 pm
Thank you! 🙂
July 6, 2013 at 5:15 pm
Yikes!! 😯
July 8, 2013 at 11:04 pm
😎