What’s a Giant Weta? It’s a REALLY Big Insect

Photos by Mark Moffet / Minden / Solent

Okay – this insect is so big it gives me the creeps just looking at the photo. They can weight three times more than a mouse, and that image on the home page is of the thing EATING A CARROT.  I can’t imagine holding that thing in my hand. Thankfully, they’re only found on one small island in New Zealand.  Here’s some info on it, from The Daily Mail:

There are over 70 types of Weta species in New Zealand but the giant weta has been named the biggest insect in the world because of its weight.

A female giant weta filled with eggs can reach up to 70g or more and the largest of the species are found on Little Barrier Island. They are usually less social and more passive than other weta. Their diet consists of plants, other small insects and fruit.

Their size is an example of island gigantism, which is a biological phenomenon leading to a larger size than their mainland relatives because of their isolation and lack of large predators.

Read more at The Daily Mail