A living ark
Cook Strait giant weta
Giant weta. Photo by Tom Lynch, Karori Sanctuary
Common name: Cook Strait giant weta
Maori name: wetapunga
Scientific name: Deinacrida rugosa
Status: endemic, threatened
Grow to 70mm in length and up to 27g in weight
Light tan to medium brown in colour with black markings on their shields (backs)
Were extinct from mainland for over 100 years until 100 were released into Karori Sanctuary in 2007. In 2008 a further 86 were transferred.
Being nocturnal and small it is highly unlikely that giant weta will be seen by the public. They largely reside in the lower valley around the Research Area, Te Mahanga and Union Goldmine tracks.
More giant weta information
Download giant weta factsheet (43kb,pdf)
Download press release - February 2007 (48kb,pdf)
Download press release - February 2008 (57kb, pdf)
Link to weta on DOCs website
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