| Actual Image
Hemideina sp. (24)
LordPotty
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1449 W: 146 N: 3764]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (12035) | This is another old shot I pulled out of my 2005 files, taken on my old 2mp Lumix FZ2S
The DoF isn't brilliant as I knew nothing of aperture priority then, and the old Lumix couldn't do that in macro mode anyhow.
Anyway, this is your average Tree Weta (Hemideina species) found commonly in firewood piles around the country.
They generally live in rotting logs in the forest and feed mainly on leaves and rotting wood, although they will eat some small creatures.
They look fearsome, especially when striking a defensive pose, with their back legs raised vertically above their head, but are in fact a reasonably docile insect if handled carefully.
Called 'King Crickets' in some countries, Weta can reach quite large proportions in some species.
The Poor Knights Island Cave Weta can grow to 45cm long (including legs and antennae) whilst the stockier Giant Weta can weigh over 70 grams (as heavy as a Song Thrush)
Hope you like this shot of one of the gentle giants of the insect world.
Cheers
Steve |
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