Kaikoura Giant Weta

Deinacrida parva have a rounded brown body. The females are larger than the males in this species of wētā, but the males have long legs suggesting scramble competition for mates. The females have a large spike on the end of their body, this spike is called an ovipositor and is used for laying eggs. The Kaikoura giant wētā can grow up to around 100mm in size and weigh up to 14.5 grams. They have a life span of roughly two years. This wētā, although very similar in appearance, is smaller in size than D. rugosa and is a brown colour with darker colouring under the abdomen. Red or pink coloration can also be present on the border of the thoracic shield. A major identification of the Kaikoura Wētā is by counting the six spines present on the lower hind leg. The taxonomic status of D.parva and D. rugosa were investigated. These two are species are morphologically similar and phylogenetically sister species.

Deinacrida parva are found in many different terrestrial environments but most commonly under large logs on river flats and scrub areas close to the edges of the forests. Large proportions of individuals are found under mataī logs. Their preference for living close to water ways has resulted in the drowning of some individuals, although this might be linked to infection by internal parasites. D. parva are found between 150 and 1500m above sea level from South Marlborough to Hanmer Springs. These weta are considered subalpine specialists. They are most common surrounding Hapuku and Kowhai river close to Kaikōura (hence the name of these wētā). It is suspected they now occupy less than 10% of their former range.

Deinacrida parva are herbivorous and feed mainly on the leaves of trees and shrubs. Females of this species have been known to eat carcasses of dead or dying insects for extra protein during breeding season for egg development.