New Zealand Invertebrates

DSC_3121 Moss weta ((Maotoweta virescens) individuals of this unusual tiny 'green' weta were first found by Rod on curtains of the hanging moss (Weymouthia mollis) in Fiordland in 1991. When Rod showed these photos to entomologist Peter Johns, he learned that Ray Forster had also seen this weta back in 1948, and again in 1953. In January 2014 Johns formally described the animal after examining individuals he recently collected himself from the Takitimus. This little female is on a fallen horopito leaf, amongst umbrella moss in Fiordland

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DSC_3121 Moss weta ((Maotoweta virescens) individuals of this unusual tiny 'green' weta were first found by Rod on curtains of the hanging moss (Weymouthia mollis) in Fiordland in 1991. When Rod showed these photos to entomologist Peter Johns, he learned that Ray Forster had also seen this weta back in 1948, and again in 1953. In January 2014 Johns formally described the animal after examining individuals he recently collected himself from the Takitimus. This little female is on a fallen horopito leaf, amongst umbrella moss in Fiordland

DSC 3121 moss weta Lake Gunn Fiordland camouflage green Maotoweta virescens viridescens hanging moss Weymouthia mollis Eglington Valley