Giant Weta
Today’s adventure takes us to one very specific location! We are headed to the one and only New Zealand to learn about a crazy critter only found HERE. If you’re ready for some of the coolest animal facts, jump on a plane with me. Let’s Go!
Critter At A Glance
What exactly are Giant Wetas? These critters are one of the largest insects around, weighing in at 3 times a mouse. They look like a crazy cross between a praying mantis and a katydid. Even though it seems like the type of insect that can fly, they actually have no wings. Their name means “god of ugly things.”
What do they eat? These fascinating bugs eat mainly plants, but have been known to eat other insects. People who encounter these guys find it fun to feed them carrots!
Are there a lot of them in New Zealand? There use to be many, but they are now considered extinct on the main Island of New Zealand. They can be found off another smaller island called Little Barrier Island.
Let’s join one of the only Giant Wetas left, Peta!
Are you ready for an out of this world fact?
Many groups are trying to help breed more of these critters in captivity. So many babies hatched at the Auckland Zoo in 2013 that the zoo had to take on more staffers to feed them all! Can you imagine that many little Wetas?!
Critter Protectors we need you! It's time to create and it's time to move!
MOVE How do you think a Weta moves across the ground?
Pretend to be a Weta on the “Garbage Crew” digging through the earth and preparing the dirt for new growing plants. This is a fun game to play on a cold or rainy day. Use some blankets and pillows and turn on your IMAGINATION!
CREATE Can you make your own Giant Weta? You’ll need some pipecleaners, toilet paper or paper towel tubes, a marker, and scissors.
Start by attaching some pipecleaner legs onto your tube. Weta, like all insects, have 6 legs! You can poke small holes to stick each leg into your cardboard body.
Next, cut or bend the front of your tube to form the shape of a narrow head. Use 2 small pieces of pipecleaners to add antennae.
Mark some eyes AND … don’t forget to share your creation! #heymrjim
<a href='https://pngtree.com/so/New'>New png from pngtree.com/</a>
Sr., Todd Sain, et al. “Giant Weta.” Our Breathing Planet, 30 Oct. 2018, https://www.ourbreathingplanet.com/giant-weta/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA15yNBhDTARIsAGnwe0XDRPqe7X7-pG2PWv0noK7gC95GpalmZ6NfC2Odd80s7fdwbF-t-oYaAlztEALw_wcB.
“10 Intense Facts about the Giant Weta.” Mental Floss, 9 June 2015, https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/64804/10-intense-facts-about-giant-weta.
“Wētā.” New Zealand Invertebrates, https://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/invertebrates/weta/.
“New Zealand Lesser Short-Tailed Bat.” EDGE of Existence, 6 Sept. 2018, http://www.edgeofexistence.org/species/new-zealand-lesser-short-tailed-bat/.