Orthoptera
Family: Rhaphidophoridae    Subfamily: Macropathinae
Genus and species:

There is some doubt about the relative scientific merits of retaining this species in Gymnoplectronrather than transferring it to Pachyrhamma. This combination is retained here just to highlight the proble...

Members of this genus pose a real problem in the understanding of the New Zealand weta fauna. The problem is centered on the limits accepted for a genus or a species. Firstly Isoplectron and Neonetus are...

Isoplectron cochleatum is very similar in size and habitat requirements to its close relative I. armatum. It is found in the very north of the South Island from Farewell Spit to Marlborough Sounds and then ...

see Isoplectron armatum.

Known only from the Te Anau basin and the Kawerau - Clutha river valley.

The conditions that separate this species from its relative Isoplectron armatum are poorl...

This species has long been confused with others. It is the first cave weta described from New Zealand having been taken from the newly opened tourist cave near Collingwood in 1868. It is found in lowland limestone but no...

One of the rarest weta in New Zealand and very different from the others. It is small, 9-12 mm, mottled green and lives in moss on tree trunks.

This little "cave" weta is common throughout the North Island: Wellington to East Cape to New Plymouth to Ahipara. It is not found in caves but under any loose bark or the folded decayed and drying bases of nikau palm le...

An abundant species, tolerant of human environments, found in caves, grykes, gold and coal adits, under piled houses, in underground watertanks and many other dark sites. It is present in a variety of forest types. Its m...

to be done

This would be better called the urban cave weta. It is very common in Christchurch and other North Canterbury towns where it is probably under every house that stands on piles. It is also present in sewers and covered dr...

Widespread in various forests of both main islands, though not in the eastern, drier parts. A close relative lives on the Chatham Islands.

The photo shows a female laying eggs in a rotting Nothofagus fusca

The common and very widespread species from mid-Canterbury to Invercargill. Its natural habitat has been very difficult to determine. There is a population at Aorangi National Park inhabiting the Nothofagus forest...