These humongous insects are Giant Wetas, found mainly in New Zealand. These insects measure up to 10cm in body length (excluding legs) and can weigh up to 71g (heavier than a sparrow and 3 times heavier than a mouse!), making them one of the heaviest insects on this planet.
The largest species of giant weta is the Little Barrier Island giant weta also known as the wetapunga. Giant weta tend to be less social and more passive than other weta. Their genus name, Deinacrida, is Greek for terrible grasshopper. They are found primarily on New Zealand offshore islands, having been almost exterminated on the mainland islands by introduced mammalian pests.
The Giant weta is so heavy that it cannot jump and is sometimes regarded as the dinosaur of the insect world. Nice up-close pics of these creatures that look like giant grasshoppers but a lot more disgusting due to their size. Thank goodness they cannot jump!
