Giant Weta - Requested by Anonymous
Giant wetas are species of weta in the genus Deinacrida of the family Anostostomatidae. Giant wetas are endemic to New Zealand, and are examples of island gigantism. here are 11 species of giant weta, most of which are larger than other weta, despite the latter already being large by insect standards. Large species can be up to 10 cm not inclusive of legs and antennae with body mass usually no more than 35g. One captive female reached a mass of about 70 g, making it one of the heaviest documented insects in the world and heavier than a sparrow.
They are found primarily on New Zealand offshore islands, having been almost exterminated on the mainland islands by introduced mammalian pests.
