animals, animals, animals

Paying homage to the wonderful, unusual and diverse world of animals. I make no claim to content ownership. Sources are credited (with links) whenever possible — on both unique posts & re-blogs. Any post will be removed upon request (please provide URL link to the post/page). Enjoy! Email: animalworldtumblrblog@gmail.com Twitter: @animalworldtoo


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GIANT WETA - by requestDeinacrida heteracantha© Louise Murray/Science Photo Library There are about 70 species of weta, they are large brown wingless insect (family Stenopelmatidae) related to the grasshoppers. This species of weta, also known as the Wetapunga from the Maori language, is native to New Zealand. Adults can measure up to 4 inches/10cm long without including the antenna and legs, and pregnant females can weigh over 2.5 ounces/70 grams, making them the heaviest insects in the world. Giant weta are flightless and have survived on New Zealand since prehistoric times due to the absence of land mammals. The introduction of rats, cats, stoats and other mammals onto New Zealand have reduced the Giant weta populations to Little Barrier Island. The Giant weta is too heavy to jump but when threatened, raise their spiny hind limbs into the air. These nocturnal insects feed on plants and fungi. Fact & Photo: http://www.sciencephoto.com/media/368584/enlarge Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kUFjtgAPF5U Other posts: Chan’s Megastick Titan Beetle Goliath Beetle

GIANT WETA - by request
Deinacrida heteracantha
© Louise Murray/Science Photo Library

There are about 70 species of weta, they are large brown wingless insect (family Stenopelmatidae) related to the grasshoppers. This species of weta, also known as the Wetapunga from the Maori language, is native to New Zealand. Adults can measure up to 4 inches/10cm long without including the antenna and legs, and pregnant females can weigh over 2.5 ounces/70 grams, making them the heaviest insects in the world. Giant weta are flightless and have survived on New Zealand since prehistoric times due to the absence of land mammals. The introduction of rats, cats, stoats and other mammals onto New Zealand have reduced the Giant weta populations to Little Barrier Island. The Giant weta is too heavy to jump but when threatened, raise their spiny hind limbs into the air. These nocturnal insects feed on plants and fungi.

Fact & Photo: http://www.sciencephoto.com/media/368584/enlarge

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=kUFjtgAPF5U

Other posts:

Chan’s Megastick

Titan Beetle

Goliath Beetle

Notes

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    That’s about the size of a deer mouse… I want one.
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  13. combination-nc reblogged this from animalworld and added:
    It’s adorable. How...an insect this adorable? Look at its cute little head, its little...
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  16. hamburgerjack reblogged this from animalworld and added:
    It’s the carrot eating bug you guys.
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