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

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!

Actually what makes it big is the mandible - the lower jaw that is used for biting and crushing food. Watch out fingers!