New tusked weta
A NEW SPECIES of tusked weta has been discovered in the Raukumara Range near East Cape. It was found by DoC field staff in a wood pile at the Mangatutara hut. Although only one specimen has been found, Victoria University entomologist Dr George Gibbs is certain that it is a new species. It lacks the usual ridges on the tusks for calling and has different leg markings. He said that tusked wetas are very secretive animals and are very hard to find. "The new species might be very local or extended over the country, we don’t know. But there will definitely be more of them out rere. Searches will be made for more weta in April/May. "This is the best time to look," said Gibbs. "The yearlings will have become adults and developed identifiable tusks, and they are mating and rushing around." Tusked weta have only recently been recognised as a distinct group. Only two other species are known, one from scattered sites in Northland and the other (still undescribed) from Middle Mercury Island. They are distinguished from other weta by the long curved tusks projecting from the jaws of the male.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/periodicals/FORBI19960201.2.10.1
Bibliographic details
Forest and Bird, Issue 279, 1 February 1996, Page 4
Word Count
195New tusked weta Forest and Bird, Issue 279, 1 February 1996, Page 4
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