Huge grasshoppers - Giant Ueta, are endemic to New Zealand. There are 11 species of giant Ueta in nature, most of which are much larger than those shown in the pictures
Ueta are very heavy insects with a body length of up to 10 cm, not including their long legs and antennae, they weigh more than 71 g, which makes them one of the heaviest insects in the world and heavier than a sparrow. Their generic name translated from Greek means "terrible grasshopper", found mainly in New Zealand off the coastal islands.
Almost all of them are wingless. Outwardly, they are somewhat reminiscent of a large brown grasshopper, but the hind legs are enlarged and covered with large spines. During the defense, the insect throws them out in front of itself with force and tries to injure the attacker.
But what is the reason for the development of gigantism among these insects? These "living fossils" (yes, they have a very ancient origin) were in the area of New Zealand, even before it became an isolated archipelago. At that time, small mammals, the main enemies of the ueta, were absent, and they occupied their niche.
Ueta are perfectly adapted to live in any habitat, be it forest, field, caves, land or city parks. They are nocturnal. Most of these giants are predators, but the giant ueta feeds on lichens, leaves, flowers and fruits.
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These insects bring considerable benefits to the development of the flora of New Zealand - they take an active part in the distribution of seeds of local plants, feeding on their fruits.
Puberty in giant Ueta occurs only by one and a half years. At a time, the female lays about 200-300 eggs in the ground, after which she dies after a while. At first glance, the number of eggs is rather big.
But now there is a decrease in the number of these insects. The main reason for this disgrace is the destruction of giant ueta by small mammals and rodents introduced to these islands by humans.