Weta Diets

Wetas are large insects found only in New Zealand. The species dates back to the the time of the dinosaurs. There are five different types of weta: tree weta, cave weta, giant weta, tusked weta and ground weta, and there are more than 100 different species. Weta diets vary among the different types.

  1. Ground Weta Diets

    • The ground weta is the smallest weta, usually about 1 or 2 inches long, although it is still relatively large for an insect. It is mainly carnivorous, meaning that the most of its food comes from eating other creatures, such as grubs and small insects. Its diet does also include a small amount of plant life such as leaves and fruit.

    Giant Weta Diets

    • Although the largest of the wetas at around 6 inches long, the giant weta is docile and gentle. It does not scratch or bite. For the most part, giant wetas live under rocks, where they eat a herbivorous diet of leaves, plants and fruit.

    Tree Weta Diets

    • The tree weta, also known as the bush weta, takes its name from its preferred habitat. It will aggressively hiss or bite when threatened. It eats a varied, omnivorous diet of other insects and plant life.

    Tusked Weta Diets

    • Despite the name, only the male tusked wetas actually have tusks. They use them fighting other males (as rams do) rather than for hunting. The tusked weta's diet is mostly carnivorous and includes beetles and earthworms.

    Cave Weta Diets

    • Cave wetas live in caves and other dark places to hide from predators such as rats. They live up to seven years on a diet of insects, plants and fungi.