Insect Series # 6 - Weta

As a special request from one of our group members, I am continuing on with the Insect Series. The insect for this one is a little indulgent on my part, as the subject is the NZ Weta. Although it looks pretty creepy, my kids love these insects and they are very special and protected in New Zealand. Google New Zealand Weta and you should come up with a number of hits.

For this ATC you will make one ATC for two partners. Have fun - anything goes as long as it includes a Weta on it. For all of you international people, I hope you will accept the challenge. I have included a description below for you to read as well.

What insects may have the tusks of an elephant, can weigh as much as a thrush and yet live like mice ? Only the New Zealand weta. As many as 100 species of these thorny creatures dwell in burrows, caves and crevices from lush islands to snowy mountain crests. ' Weta ' is a strictly New Zealand name for the large, flightless nocturnal grasshopper. Variations of the species are found in, South Africa, Australia and Chile. They possess extremely long antennae, usually twice the length of the body but up to four times longer in the cave weta. They look like grasshoppers from hell, ranging in colour from grey to red, black and bronze. These unique creatures are a protected species under threat by man and various predators. The description was copied from this website: http://www.wellsford.co.nz/environz/weta/WetaPrimePage.html