The Weta is a small insect but it can be the biggest insect in NZ.

The Weta have hairy spiny legs. They weigh about thirty five grams. They are the biggest insect and they have six legs. They can grow thirteen cm long but only live for a few months.

Weta live in grasslands, forests, caves, under stone, logs and trees.

They feed and breed and lay eggs at night. There are over seventy species of Weta in NZ.

Weta eat leaves, plants, insects, and carrots,.They are omnivores.

They can protect themselves with their tasks. Their name is Wetapunga which means God of ugly things.

They look kind of funny and scary because they have big eyes.