The conservation of a giant weta (Deinacrida n. sp. Orthoptera: Stenopelmatidae) at Mahoenui, King Country: habitat use, and other aspects of its ecology.

Abstract

Habitat use, life cycle and aspects of the behavioural ecology of the endemic Mahoenui giant weta (Deinacrida n.sp.) at Mahoenui are described. Giant weta occurred mostly on steep (>21 O) slopes with north- to east-facing aspects, areas regularly used by cattle and goats, open areas (less than 66% of the area covered in gorse trees, more than 33% in grass), and middle-aged gorse bushes (7-13 years) or old and senescent trees (> 15 years old). Dark brown and yellow colour morphs were observed respectively in 77 % and 23 % of males, and 61 % and 39% of females. The sex ratio was unity and the species is apparently monogamous. An egg stage of about 10 months is followed by 9 nymphal instars which take about a year to reach sexual maturity. Egg laying probably occurs in late autumn (about March), hatching a year later. Adulthood is reached in late summer, when copulation occurs. A wide range of instars occur at any given time of year, and growth rate may be seasonally variable. Various aspects of the weta's behavioural ecology are described as are recommendations for their conservation and future research.

Keywords:

• Stenopelmatidae
• Deinacrida n. sp.
• habitat use
• life cycle
• conservation management