Critter of the Week: Cook Strait giant wētā

Nicola Toki, Doc's Threatened Species Ambassador talks today about the Cook Strait giant wētā, Deinacrida rugosa. These critters were the first-ever insect translocation in New Zealand, and the first to wear adorable radiotracking backpacks. 

Deinacrida rugosa on Maud Island [Sid Mosdell, CC BY]

Deinacrida rugosa on Matiu/Somes Island [Public Domanin]

Deinacrida rugosa drawn by Des Helmore, 1979 [Des Helmore / Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research CC BY]