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Weta


Weta
Photo Information
Copyright: Steve Reekie (LordPotty) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1449 W: 146 N: 3764] (12035)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2005-04-13
Categories: Insects
Camera: Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ-2-S
Exposure: f/2.8, 1/50 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version, Workshop
Date Submitted: 2005-04-13 5:56
Viewed: 2161
Points: 22
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The Weta is one of New Zealands most fearsome looking insects,but in reality is usually non aggressive.You may not be totally convinced after you see the series of photos I'm about to post.
When threatened,Weta can strike a terrifying pose,Front legs raised,jaws wide open and the spiny back legs either straight up in the air or forward over the head,sometimes making a sharp rasping sound.This is purely a defensive stance,although they can give a painful bite or scratch if handled roughly.
Generally they can be handled without too much worry,but you need to be calm.If you panic,there is no way you will shake one off.They just hang on with hooked claws.
They live in holes in old trees and feed mainly on fresh leaves,although they occasionally eat small insects.
This Weta is Heideina thoracica,one of 6 species of a group known as Tree Wetas.
Not counting Cave Weta (which are a different family and can grow up to 45 cm long) there are about 50 species of Weta in New Zealand,all unique to this country.The heaviest of these are the Deinacrida species or Giant Weta.Some egg laden females have weighed in at over 70 grams (about the same as a Song Thrush).Over the next couple of days I will post a few more Weta shots,some of which may not be suitable for the squeamish.
Variations of the Weta are found in many other countries around the world,where they are known as King Crickets.
Janice, red45, marhowie, mjdundee, Fisher, honza, TAZ, touristdidi has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To mjdundee: Cave WetaLordPotty 1 04-13 08:41
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • Janice Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3315 W: 148 N: 6113] (18648)
  • [2005-04-13 6:10]

This weta is the most scariest creature in NZ. Yes Steve, fearsome is the right word! I have always been petrified of it. There is nothing worse than finding one of them in your gumboots. Well, maybe, even having one stuck on your shirt and you CANNOT get it off.
Seeing Steve is going to post more of these, I recommend you watch this spot!
Good capture of this Weta Steve. Please keep them down your way!

  • Great 
  • red45 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2705 W: 74 N: 8864] (30243)
  • [2005-04-13 7:31]

Could you repeat Steve? Cave Weta - 45cm long??? Wow, this insect kick ass ;-) Big, ugly and so scary for most ladies ;-) Fat and shiny - disgusting in one word! But your photo is great.

  • Great 
  • IdoTT Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 210 W: 19 N: 86] (482)
  • [2005-04-13 7:44]

Great photo Steve!
Excellent macro.
The colors are a little bit too contrast for me, but that is only my opinion.
The BG is great and the object is really sharp!

WellDone!

Steve, Great macro with some very nice details, a great POV and that shiny exterior really shines! Well done my friend..

Hi Steve.
very nice photo and good note.
I just try to imagine a 40 cm example.
Maybe you should ad somthing to scale.
Do you know if they are using the sting at the rear side?

Thomas

  • Great 
  • honza Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 537 W: 0 N: 716] (4191)
  • [2005-04-13 8:46]

Perfect macro shot. Very detailed view on the insect. Nice composition and colors.

Halo Steve!
Big creature :-)))
Didn't you afraid of it?????

  • Great 
  • TAZ Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2241 W: 47 N: 3167] (10926)
  • [2005-04-14 3:53]

Waouh ! Belle et intéressante macro pour ce superbe insecte. Jolies couleurs et bonne profondeur de champ.
Very Well done !

Very good macro Steve.
Big and ugly bur very nice picture. Great note.
Very good work.

So gross. I never saw one before! Good job!

Impressive creature. I think this is better than the latest one you posted. The POV is great.

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