Before rats and mice evolved it was ancient crickets like these that covered the forests at night. They can still be found throughout New Zealand even in our biggest cities.
Wētā have changed little in 190 million years but with the recent introduction of rats and mice New Zealand now has 16 species at risk of extinction.
Matakohe-Limestone Island in Whangarei have been building 'motels' to take care of weta while the bush grows.
VISIT MATAKOHE-LIMESTONE ISLAND
Cave weta are common in native bush where there is predator control. This one is shedding it's skin to grow bigger.
Tree weta take their time mating, males can be found with harems of female during the summer months.