The giant weta is the world's heaviest insect

23 Jun 2021

The giant weta is the world’s heaviest insect

The giant weta is the world’s heaviest insectNew Zealand’s giant weta is the world's heaviest insect. This insect is also called Mahoenui, and it plays a vital role in the ecosystem of the country.

The giant weta weighs about 71 grams. That's heavier than a sparrow and three times as heavy as a mouse!

An American biologist named Mark Moffett discovered the giant weta on a tree. At that time, he even fed a full carrot to the insect!
What does the insect look like?
The giant weta looks like a cricket but its size is similar to that of a house rat. Its colour is brown, like wood. This is a flightless and stingless animal but it smells a lot. Usually, the insect spends its nights eating the leaves of the tree. And this also protects them from predators.

Before conservation started, giant wetas were getting less in number as They were being hunted a lot over by other bigger animals. Its smell attracts mice and rats which eat it. As a result, many types of weta were on the verge of extinction (disappearing).

However, the New Zealand government and wildlife organisations tried their best to find a safe place for the insect. Ultimately, they selected an island and made it a special habitat for the insect. This was a success. It also made New Zealand the first country to create a safe space for insects.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FB_PuxJUgk

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New Zealand’s giant weta is the world’s heaviest insect. This insect is also called Mahoenui, and it plays a vital role in the ecosystem of […]

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