Tree Weta

[Graham Saunders]

I was absoluely delighted to arrive at my front door after work to find a female Tree Weta a few inches away. Ugly beasts aren't they? Would anyone happen to know what species it is likely to be?

[Colin Miskelly]

Hi Graham
It would help if you stated where in the country you live, and posted a photo.
Regards
Colin

[Graham Saunders]

Yes, Colin, of course: suburban Hamilton. I'll try to post a photo here soon.

[Colin Miskelly]

Based on location, it is likely to be the Auckland tree weta Hemideina thoracica.

Regards
Colin Miskelly

[Graham Saunders]

Thanks Colin. Yep, I'd go with that having looked at the photographs on this site:

http://awcmee.massey.ac.nz/nzinsects/page2.html#tree-weta