The Magnificent Weta Of Aotearoa
What Is A Weta?
Weta are an insect that inhabit the bushes of New Zealand. Weta punga is a Maori word that means god of ugly things. Weta are invertebrates which means that they have an exoskeleton and do not have a spine. Weta are commonly seen in bushes or in swampy areas or possibly decaying things like a tree that's rotting. Weta usually don’t live in groups and usually never live in a family. Tree weta, a different type of Weta species however live in big groups/families. Weta have antennae and weta have poor eyesight in the day. Weta have sticky feet which helps them climb up things such as trees and walls. Weta have eyes on their legs to help them climb things. During the daytime the eyes on the legs of weta are much more effective than the eyes on their head because weta do not usually use the eyes on their head for anything more than extra vision. Weta are half nocturnal because weta don’t usually stay up during the day however tree weta and giant weta are the opposite to normal weta because the tree weta and giant weta can stay up during the day. Weta are an ancient species because they were around since the dinosaur age. Weta are classified as an insect. All female weta lay eggs.
What Kind Of Weta Species Are There?
The most common species of weta is the seven species of tree weta. Weta are not pests or aliens or monsters they are in fact a very important part of our nature society. If weta and other insects such as bees die out then we would not be able to survive however if humanity died out then weta and other insects live, they would carry on with their life. There are five main species of Weta which include: Tree weta, Giant Weta, Ground Weta, Cave Weta, Tusked Weta.
Where Does A Weta Live?
A weta lives in the bush/ground. And weta spend hours if not days searching for the perfect home that suits the weta. The habitat has to be: camouflaged to disguise the home from humans or other predators. A perfect weta home has to be strong and able to last a long time. A perfect weta home must be waterproof and it must be to small for bigger animals and predators to fit inside. Tree Weta mainly live in holes in trees or rotten wood. Ground Weta live in holes in the ground. Cave weta live in sea coast caves. And tusked Weta live on the ground.
Weta Social Behaviour?
Weta are not social and do not live in groups apart from tree weta. Tree weta live in big groups/family’s. Weta can communicate by scraping their legs on a tree trunk.
Threats: What Kind Of Threats Are They Up Against
Weta live a hard life that is full of threats and dangers such as humans, cats, rats,birds and other insects such as spiders and weather events like floods. However the one main threat to weta is humanity. Humans are destroying the weta habitats and killing them thinking they are a pest. Humans need to stop recognizing weta as a pest. There used to be a lot more weta than there are today, however the amount of weta is rapidly decreasing because weta are getting hunted down from introduced animals. Another reason as to why the numbers of the weta are rapidly declining is because humans keep killing the weta instead of letting them go free. The main reason weta are dying out though is because loss of habitat. Humans need to protect the native bush areas for the weta to live in.
by charlie
WOW Charlie, I have immensely enjoyed reading your very informative and interesting article regarding the Weta. I have certainly learnt many new facts about this insect. It certainly helps me to have a new respect and appreciation for them. I have to admit that in the past I have been rather wary of them. The fact that many years ago when I lived in Wellington, I had one land on my head, becoming stuck in my hair!! I now know why it did not move on very quickly when I started to shake my head around - due to the fact (that you write about) how they have sticky feet! Prior to reading your account of the Weta, I had no idea how many species of them that exist. I love it when you can be the teacher and I the student and both our knowledge increases. Kia mau ki nga mahi nui - keep up the great work Charlie. Love Mum.
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