A new species of tusked weta from the Raukumara Range, North Island, New Zealand (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae: Motuweta)

Abstract

A new species of weta from mainland New Zealand is described and assigned to the previously monotypic genus Motuweta Johns and the genus redefined. Mandibles of adult males bear prominent horns. Motuweta riparia n. sp. is a moderate‐sized species (36 mm) found on the margins of first or second order streams in the eastern mid North Island ranges. Its escape reaction is to leap into the stream and remain underwater until danger has passed, a strategy which has probably enabled it to survive in predator‐infested areas.

Keywords:

• Orthoptera
• Anostostomatidae
• Stenopelmatidae
• Motuweta
• tusked weta
• mandibular horns
• riparian
• systematics