Keeping Wetas in Captivity

A SERIES OF NINE ARTICLES

FOR SCHOOLS AND NATURE-LOVERS

by

Paul Barrett

edited by G.W. Ramsay

Published by the Zoological Gardens, . Sponsored by Science and Research Division, Department of Conservation and NZ Entomological Society Inc*. KEEPING WETAS IN CAPTIVITY

CONTENTS

Page

First Published 1991 Wellington Zoological Gardens, New Zealand Edited by G.W. Ramsay Printed in Nelson by General Printing Services Ltd Paul Barrett ISSN 0-473-01305-3

FOREWORD It is to be hoped that this publication will Deinacrida parva Buller - Kaikoura weta - stimulate New Zealanders to try weta-- limited to several populations in the keeping. This is done overseas where Kaikoura region. Some of these have The need to survive is an overriding Common wetas that could be kept as pets captive colonies of New Zealand wetas declined alarmingly or been lost due to motivation in mankind and indeed in all and ones that would make excellent are maintained by the London and habitat modification and probably, rodent living creatures. Perhaps it is this urge subjects for captive rearing are: Cologne Zoos, by the Zoo at the predation. An average-sized . for survival that is prompting the great White, the Auckland Smithsonian Institution, Washington, and upsurge of interest in conservation weta by a private individual in the United Deinacrida rugosa Buller - Stephens matters. Mankind is at last beginning to (Blanchard), the Kingdom. Island weta - three populations of this realise that survival is utterly dependent Wellington weta species now exist, one on Stephens Island, on the well being of the global ecosystem. Hemideina femorata Hutton, the Apart from the common species one on Mana Island and a recently Whatever the reason, the plight of some Canterbury weta mentioned above, there are seven more established one on Maud Island in the New Zealand , especially (Pictet and Saussure), that are rare for one reason or another. Marlborough Sounds. The species is certain wetas, and the real possibility of the mountain hemideina. These have been granted legal protection, relatively secure. A large and heavy their extinction is rather belatedly being and a special permit is required to collect species. realised, and they have recently been The widespread cave wetas, especially the or keep them in captivity. The seven getting a much higher profile in the news larger common species, may be suitable are: - Deinacrida tibiospina Salmon - Nelson media. This is gratifying, especially as also. All of these except Hemideina alpine weta - found only in areas at and they have been universally regarded as femorata have been kept by Paul Barrett, Deinacrida parva Salmon - Herekopare above the bush line in the Nelson and frightening, repugnant and dangerous who describes how it is done in this weta - confined to Herekopare Island in Takaka regions. It is probably creatures. In fact they are not aggressive publication. He not only provides us Foveaux Strait. Now that cats have been reasonably secure as rodent predators do and their frightening behaviour is only with the information necessary to keep eliminated there its chances of survival not seem to be able to survive in such defensive. and breed wetas successfully in captivity, have improved even though there is only places. An average-sized species. but also tells of his extremely interesting one population. A small species. The need for viable captive colonies of observations on their behaviour. Hutton - the various species of protected or Deinacrida fallai Salmon - Poor Knights weta - confined to forest remnants on endangered wetas, as well as of other Paul Barrett is the Weta Keeper of the weta - confined to the Poor Knights Banks Peninsula only. It may be limit , is increasing and becoming more Wellington Zoological Gardens and he has Islands, Northland. Reasonably secure by a paucity of old dead trees which urgent as habitat is lost and the ecosystem a flair and natural aptitude as well as but only one population. A very large would provide suitable habitat for it. changed through the establishment of great interest and enthusiasm for the species. An average-sized species. additional potential predators and diseases. keeping of wetas. These qualities have Observation of captive wetas is an contributed to the great success he has had White - weta- There are several others which should be excellent way of gaining the knowledge with weta breeding and rearing as the punga - found only on Little Barrier considered for inclusion on the legally and information for the operation of following collection of articles, written in Island. Reasonably secure. The protected list. viable captive colonies and the his own style, testify. Mahoenui weta is similar and comprises management of the species in the wild. two known populations in the King A list of the sources of information about Country. The Department of wetas is the 1979 "Annotated bibliography; Conservation is developing a strategy for and index to New Zealand wetas", DSIR the management of this weta. A very Information Series No. 144 (out-of-print large species.

but available in many libraries). A useful As a result of reading and studying Paul INTRODUCTION and interesting account of wetas is the Barrett's articles I hope more people wil article "Wetas" in "New Zealand's Nature cease regarding the much-maligned weta Heritage" Volume 2, Part 20, pages 554 with fear and horror, take another look; to 558 by Dr A.M. Richards which was and become aware of their positive They are intriguing of published in 1975. Recently (1990) the qualities. I began a special programme entitled environment is replicated as closely as great interest with much to add to the booklet "The Weta Book. A Guide to the "Project Weta", which aimed to breed as possible. Moisture can then be absorbed quality and enjoyment of the New Zealanc Identification of Wetas", by M.J. Meads, many weta species in captivity as and egg-laying sites are present. I published by DSIR Land Resources, PO ecosystem! possible, at the Wellington Zoo in 1986. provide additional other materials for Box 30-379, Lower Hutt, New Zealand, After several years I have gathered useful shelter and so on as appropriate, to meet has become available. information and experience about keeping the special needs of each species. specimens of these unique insects in G.W. Ramsay captivity which is recorded in the It is important to remove mouldy or following articles. As "Project Weta" is decayed food and faecal pellets every few ongoing, corrections, up-dates and new days or once a week, but certainly not the articles will be produced in due course. clean pellets as these contain chemicals and are "beacons" or markers which assist In general I keep my wetas in large the wetas in navigating about their cage. containers - reptile cages, aquaria, It is also important to maintain the right miscellaneous wooden containers, and so temperature and humidity for each on. All are satisfactory as long as they species. This I do by spraying the give plenty of space for the wetas, enclosure with water from a mister every ventilation, and have at least one glass second day in dry weather and every side for observation. To ensure adequate fourth or fifth day in cool or damp ventilation I employ metallic rather than weather. The enclosures should be kept plastic gauze because wetas sometimes as close to the outside temperature as chew their way through the latter and possible. Temperatures between 15°C and escape. The lids and ventilation gauze 20°C seem to be optimum. Below 10°C should be tight-fitting and escape-proof. wetas become inactive and above 25°C the If wood is used it should be untreated as conditions become intolerable to many treated wood is impregnated with arsenic species. Humidity levels of 60-70% for or boron and other substances poisonous tree wetas and 40-50 % for giant wetas are to insects. Weta containers must not be optimum. These conditions are also exposed to sunlight when in use as the suitable for ground wetas. ultraviolet light, raised temperature and consequent higher humidity can be fatal to Drinking water was provided either in wetas. I always place clean soil, sand, soaked cotton-wool pads (which wetas leaf-litter, and so on, on the floor of the sometimes chewed), or by misting the container so that the weta's natural foliage in their container or by offering

water in shallow lids. Climbing material protected and make good subjects for is important for Hemideina and study and rearing (see list of species in Hemiandrus wetas as well as some Foreword p.3). The more information Deinacrida and the cave wetas, as all of that can be gathered about the keeping these prefer to shelter off the ground. and rearing of wetas the better. Such The setting up of an assortment of information may be invaluable should the branches and other climbing materials is time ever come when the only way to also important in providing sites for the save a species from extinction is by "tsit tsit tsit tsit tsit tsit" ecdysis or moulting of weta nymphs. breeding it in captivity. No specimens should ever be collected in Reserves or I made shelters for the tree wetas by National Parks without permission. drilling galleries in logs and by using New Zealand flax flower stems as described in the following articles. Giant wetas were provided with bark shelters Weta Communication Diagram A - Movements involved in producing the rapid stuttering sound by pulling which they used readily as did the cave (Stridulation) wetas also. abdominal segments back and forth against the hind-legs. Much interesting information can be In general wetas should be fed once or obtained by observing wetas in captivity. twice a week. All food must be clean and free from pesticides and chemical For instance, many wetas (not all species and have sprays. Small and young wetas are not cave wetas) "ears" difficult to find in large containers, and comprising a flat oval area on each side cannibalism commonly occurs amongst of the tibia (shank) of the front leg. them. To overcome these problems I They communicate with each other by means of the various sounds they make. usually keep them singly in plastic ice- The rasping or calling of wetas can be cream cartons with holes drilled or melted into the lid. heard in the bush at intervals throughout the night, sometimes right until dawn. Sounds are made in three different ways. Several species of weta are legally The first method is to elevate the hind- protected because they are rare or legs and flick them vigorously down the vulnerable to predation. These species "ssit ssit ssit ssit ssit ssit" sides of the abdomen. This action rubs are usually present only on off-shore the numerous small spines or pegs of the islands or places that are not often visited, inner face of the hind-leg over a file or and they cannot be collected or kept row of ridges on each side of the without official approval from the abdomen. Such a mechanism is Department of Conservation, and a Diagram B - Movements involved in producing the rapid stuttering sound by quickly raising characteristic of all Deinacrida and permit. The common wetas found in the abdomen up and down against the hind-legs. Hemideina wetas. The behaviour just vicinity of our towns and cities are not described is defensive and produces a rasping sound. ARTICLE 1. Keeping the Wellington weta, This method of stridulation is used only other by raising and lowering the Hemideina crassidens when the weta is under threat. The abdomen (Diagram B). Both of these are (Blanchard, 1851) flicking-down movement of the hind-legs used as eviction or move-along calls by is not used in any other situation. male and female wetas, nymphs and adults. The second kind of movement is The second method of sound production more often used by adults. involves moving the sides of the abdomen against the inner surface of the hind-legs The ticking sound made by some Hemideina crassidens is a typical New Individuals can sometimes be found in a with these legs stationary in the resting Deinacrida wetas is said to be produced Zealand . Fig. 1 illustrates the variety of places other than in trees. Although this species returns to the same position. The Hemideina wetas H. in a similar way. male and female of this species. crassidens, H. crassicruris, H. thoracica, hole no matter what its size or age, individuals are constantly displaced by and H. maori (and H. femorata, the The third way of producing sound is to I began the Wellington Zoo programme others, hence the wandering. Hemideina Canterbury weta) use this method to suddenly telescope the abdomen so that entitled 'Project Weta' with this species in omnivorous, feeding on a produce a rapid stuttering sound or call the surfaces of the segments and 1986 and the information in this article is crassidens is wide range of foliage, bark, insects, and (mentioned in the article on H. membranes between them rub against based on the maintenance of a colony crassidens). The rapid stutter is each other. This produces the hissing over a period of four years. As the fruit on occasion. produced by two kinds of movement, one sound made by Deinacrida wetas but not programme expanded to include other species I kept this one on the 'back involving contraction and slight upward by Hemideina (except H. crassicruris in curling of the abdomen (Diagram A), and which this sound is weak). burner' as it has always been a personal the favourite of mine. Housing

It is an average-sized weta ranging from This species was the first I designed an Acknowledgement 40 mm to 70 mm long. A 70 mm enclosure for. The other species of weta specimen would be a large one. The were housed using this one as a base with I wish to thank Graeme Ramsay, Greg Sherley, and Ron Ordish of DSIR Plant Protection, species can weigh between 3 and 6g when regards to food and conditions. I simply Department of Conservation, and the National Museum respectively for their assistance and adult. observed the particular requirements of advice in the preparation of these notes; also Ron Goudswaard and Barbara Blanchard, the other species beyond those of this senior keepers Wellington Zoo, and Mike Meads and Allison Balance, DSIR Land This weta occupies a wide range of holes species. Resources for assistance and advice in raising the Stephens Island hemideina and Mahoenui and crevices in live and dead trees. Holes giant weta. The skill and expertise of Mrs Robyn Harding has been invaluable in the are usually enlarged from other wood- I used glass tanks (previously used as typing and formatting of this work and is very gratefully acknowledged and appreciated. boring insects, although H. crassidens is aquaria) with galvanised metal lids. The capable of making its own holes also. tanks varied from 60 cm by 30 cm by 30 The species forms harems consisting of an cm up to 120 cm by 48 cm by 48 cm. In adult male and up to 10 adult females. the largest tank I satisfactorily kept two The illustrations comprising Figures 1 to 8 are by the author. harems, comprising a total of 10 wetas. Hemideina crassidens is an arboreal The smaller tanks housed no more than 5 species essentially. Other than harem- specimens. The lids were metal with steel holding males it is a wanderer. insect mesh which the wetas were unable Further articles in this series may be published from time to time in "THE WETA", to attack. I have experienced individuals Newsbulletin of the Entomological Society of New Zealand (Inc.).

chewing their way out of plastic ice-cream illustrated in Fig 2. It is a small log cut and margarine containers. Females were in half horizontally with a channel and particularly likely to do this. chamber cut into the bottom half. This is covered by a sheet of perspex on which is placed the top half of the log. The whole unit is held together with rubber Habitat bands. This shelter I termed a gallery. The other kind of shelter was the use of As this species lays its eggs in the flax (Phormium tenax) flower stalks. ground, I supplied soft friable soil. This These were cut into 150 mm lengths, split was spread to a depth of 50 mm and in half and the material inside excavated mounded in the middle to assist drainage. out. I left 30 mm of material at the end Leaf litter was sprinkled on top for two of the halves. The pieces were then put reasons. Firstly, the bare soil would be together and held with rubber bands. The compacted by the weta's activity so that shelters were pushed into the soil against damage to the claws on the tarsi would the harem gallery. These shelters were result. A white fungus would invade the useful when the females chose to hide damaged part and subsequently progress elsewhere, other than in the gallery, and up the leg. This occurred twice before the wetas liked them. the leaf litter was put in to prevent it. The second reason was that the wetas displayed less inclination to climb the glass (which added to the problem Environmental Conditions regarding the tarsi) if the leaf litter was present. This and climbing material gave Hemideina crassidens is tolerant of a the wetas 'occupational therapy'. fairly wide range of environmental conditions. In captivity, I found the Climbing material consisted of twigs of optimum temperature requirements to be Coprosma and ngaio which the wetas used between 10°C and 25°C. Below 10° the to good advantage. This species is a wetas were quite inactive although they capable climber and had no trouble would still leave their shelter and feed reaching the lid of the enclosure via the periodically. They did not enter diapause climbing material. This material like the giant wetas under 10°C. If provided bark to chew and a good site for temperatures rose above 20°C to occur. the wetas would become restless and Fig. 1 Wellington weta would retreat under the gallery. They Hemideina crassidens Shelter was provided in two forms. I would also lose weight which suggests (Blanchard, 1851) designed a special harem gallery for the desiccation. If the temperature was kept male and his group of females. This is between 10° and 25° the wetas behaved normally.

Fig. 2. Shelter used for harem of tree wetas

I found this species was most content with oxheart, new born mice, and dog sausage. a humidity level of 60% to 80%. The The regime of feeding was to supply 1 or wetas would abandon the gallery to hide 2 fresh sprigs of foliage with 5 to 8 in the flax shelters, or under the gallery if leaves. This was renewed every day in conditions were much lower than 60%. summer and every second to third day in The gallery would get too damp and winter. Along with this an insect or soiled above 80% humidity. protein item was added. This was placed on a conspicuous leaf in the leaf At 60-60% humidity, the wetas were litter so the amount eaten could be content. This humidity range was easily accurately monitored. maintained by misting the enclosure every second day in dry weather and every 4 to Water was supplied by providing soaked 5 days in damp weather. cotton wool wads in the climbing material and also by misting the food plants before. placing them in the enclosure. Both methods proved acceptable but the wads Food needed changing every day as the wetas soiled them with brown saliva. I found this species to be variable in preferences and intake. A wide range of food items were eaten but consumption varied between individuals. Food items Behaviour which I fed and which were eaten by the wetas in my care were natural plant food Hemideina crassidens was an interesting including the foliage of taupata, karamu, weta to study at night whilst in captivity. ngaio, malice, Buddliea, willow, plantain, It was the least prone to disturbance of all puha, lacebark, kowhai, kanuka, the species I have cared for, and adapted A. Entrance to shelter. 20 mm wide for Hemideina crassidens Euonymus , Hebe and pear. This weta well to captive life. B. Cut off nail used to hold lid secure. consumed dead foliage in the leaf litter C. Logs made from ngaio, Coprosma, elderberry and pine. and regularly chewed bark of Coprosma D. Gallery widened to allow changing of position and mating. and ngaio. It ate apples and cherries. Activity E. Perspex sheet fitted between lower half of gallery and lid. Unnatural plant food included cabbage F. Lid. and carrot. At night the females were far more active than the male. They left the gallery after Insect food given to and eaten by this the male usually but were out for longer Notes: This type of shelter was used for both H. crassidens and H. crassicrurus. weta consisted of crickets, caterpillars, periods. The male, although out earlier 1. The entrance hole needed to be increased to 25 mm wide for H. crassicrurus. moths, locust nymphs, cicadas, katydids, usually returned sooner possibly to guard 2. The logs were 450 mm long for H. crassidens and 530 mm long for H. crassicrurus. aphids, mealworms, and spiders. his gallery. His activity was largely 3. The perspex sheet allowed the wetas to be stock-checked without disturbing them unduly Unnatural animal protein eaten comprised centred around the gallery and the by removing the lid.

female adopts a passive role during females. When in the gallery the male Harems Stridulation mating. would sit at the entrance with the end of his hind tibiae Although the male forms a harem of Stridulation is very important to his abdomen and The mating procedure for this species is protruding. Wetas of all ages assume females, the term harem is correct only in Hemideina crassidens. A call comprising Some time is when in their holes or that the females are resident with the a distinct rapid succession of rasping brief but quite complex. this position spent by the male to investigate the female shelters as a way of keeping out intruders. male. The females come and go as they (almost stuttering) sounds (made by please and the male has no real control sudden contractions of the abdomen and ensure she is receptive. The male over their movements. The adult male is causing its sides to rub against the hind will move over the female carefully, the owner of the gallery and to prove this legs (see Diagram A p. 8)) is produced palpating her with antennae and palps. after mating and during eviction of He also carries out a curious shuddering Movement I placed two galleries each housing a harem, in the large enclosure. The males opponent wetas. The call is used by movement. He will stop palpating momentarily, shudder his whole body This weta can jump but not nearly so well readily guarded their own gallery and nymphs whilst occupying holes or during eviction. An eleven-stroke call is used by with a fine vibration and then continue as Hemideina thoracica. Nymphs jump would fight if one entered the other's male to attract females to the harem palpating the female. All this appears to quite well, being lighter in weight than gallery intentionally or otherwise. The the gallery. Two other different sharp calls pacify the female. If she moves the male adults. H. crassidens will jump up over females of both harems entered either are also used - one as a warning to other will sometimes endeavour to hold her and down to the place it wishes to go. gallery without hesitation, although a wetas that danger is present, and the other back with his front legs. After some The species will go to great lengths to male could evict a female without too when the weta is threatened or minutes preparing the female, the male reach out to a twig before jumping. This much difficulty if he wanted to. used attacked. The call used whilst under will then move backwards feeling for the differs from H. thoracica which will threat is the only one generated by female's genital region with the end of his jump with considerably more confidence. abdomen. Aggression striking the legs swiftly down on the stridulatory apparatus on the abdomen. The other calls are made by small Once locating the end of her abdomen the Navigation Fighting between males is quite ritualised, the outcome being based on which male movements of the hind legs or by lifting male will then connect with her. He will and lowering the abdomen or telescoping usually be almost hanging from the female probably uses pheromones can gape his mandibles the widest. The H. crassidens the abdomen. This species has prominent and the branch on which she is sitting or chemicals in its faecal material for aim is to gape wide and lunge over the auditory pits on the front tibiae and whilst copulating. of the shelter and of other opponents' gaping mandibles. Within this location responds to sound well. Females are This is done by the wetas lunge the aggressor will often lock his individuals. attracted to the male's gallery by his calls. Coition is brief - I have seen it last almost using the position of the droppings around mandibles onto those of this opponent or lock them on to the hardened cuticle just two minutes but no longer. The male will the enclosure. I proved this by accident. release the female's abdomen and then If one removed all faeces, the wetas above the opponents' mandibles. Normally a lunge will be all that is Mating becomes aggressive towards her. He will abandoned the gallery and hid in other threaten to bite and will stridulate with a When only the required to settle a dispute. The parts of the enclosure. The females are receptive to mating from series of short calls. The female usually mouldy faeces were removed leaving the opponent, deciding that his aggressor can September on through summer. This may runs or jumps away. This may be a fresh ones, the wetas behaved normally gape wider than he, will flee. If the be earlier depending on how mild the method of ensuring the female does not and returned to the gallery. Certainly, in opponent was particularly determined or winter has been. The male will mate turn on him or of ensuring she moves off droppings can be found was of equal size to the aggressor, the field, throughout summer with females of his in case another male may be present. In accumulated near major harem galleries prolonged "tug-o-wars" took place. harem and any other female which is any case it happens after most mating provided the branch or topography of the adult that may be located. I have noticed procedures in Hemideina crassidens. tree enables the droppings to become a strong urge in the male to copulate with trapped. new females put in the enclosure. The

Eggs and Egg Laying ARTICLE 2. Keeping the Stephens The females of H. crassidens in my Some are laid at the full length of the Island hemideina programme laid during April and May. I ovipositor, i.e. 19 to 23 mm, or only a Hemideina crassicruris Salmon, 1950 did not disturb the eggs as they were laid few millimetres deep. Nymphs hatch throughout the soil on the floor of the from October to December in the year enclosures. The female tests a large area they were laid. More details on nymph of soil before satisfying herself but will management are given in article No. 5 often lay where other females have (page 30) of this series - raising In 1987 1 was given the opportunity to and ngaio trees are favourites oviposited before. The eggs are black, Hemideina wetas from egg to adult. care for a group of large tree wetas from for shelter, ngaio particularly. Like H. cigar- shaped and range in size between 5 Adults were removed during the hatching Stephens Island. These wetas were crassidens, the adult male forms a harem. and 6.5 mm long. They are laid period. brought off the Island by Dr Mike The males can develop enormous heads vertically in the soil at various depths. Thompson of Victoria University, by the time they have reached adulthood Wellington. By 1988 I had successfully and two of my adult males had massive bred this species. It is very similar to heads 30 mm long. This weta is Hemideina crassidens and may be simply omnivorous and is arboreal. an island of that species. The specimens in my group ranged from 73 mm to 80 mm long, and can attain a weight of 12.6 g. This may be achieved Housing and Habitat by males and females. Although very similar to H. crassidens, there are some I employed the same methods and important differences. materials as used for H. crassidens to keep this weta. This included the use of This weta can stridulate by telescoping its glass tanks measuring 60 cm by 30 cm by abdomen, an ability usually associated 30 cm. with Deinacrida Another tank measured 120 cm wetas. The legs are also by 43 cm by 43 cm. The tanks were darker in colour and thicker, particularly furnished with soil laid at 60 mm deep the hind tibiae. The body is more robust and sprinkled with leaf litter. Climbing and considerably darker than H. material consisted of Coprosma and ngaio crassidens. This weta is less active and twigs as well as some thicker branches. more docile than the mainland species. As this weta is less agile, heavier material was necessary. A harem comprising one Behaviour is very similar to H. male and three to four females was kept crassidens. This weta lives in the same in each enclosure. Galleries (Fig. 2, type of hole in trunks and branches of p.13) were used for this species also. trees. On Stephens Island,

Environmental Conditions Activity Stridulation Insects of various species were popular and this weta ate more insect food than H. energetic than H. H. crassicruris was quite vocal, with the This weta preferred the same temperature Although less crassidens. As with its mainland sister crassidens, I found this weta to be an stridulation being similar to that of H. and humidity levels as H. crassidens, a species, females ate more insects than crassidens. It will even on occasion temperature range of 10°C and 25°C being alert and interesting species to observe Aphids, caterpillars, locust respond to stridulation of the Wellington the best. It did not become quiescent at males. especially at night. It is a less active weta nymphs, crickets, mealworm larvae, weta. The nymphs of this species are low temperatures and was distinctly than other Hemideina species and more moths and flies were eaten as well as particularly fond of using their sound uncomfortable at temperatures above patience is required when observing it at unnatural foods such as dog sausage, apparatus. The rubbing noises heard This is the same as with H. night. It is often a later riser than H. 25°C. newborn mice and ox heart. when the weta 'telescopes' its abdomen The enclosures were kept in crassidens. Males fight over harem crassidens. seem to be only used when the weta is a room which was on average 5°C above galleries and will follow females around Water was accepted from soaked cotton under threat, although I have heard the the temperature outside. This weta was the enclosure. wool wads and water present on misted sound occasionally when wetas are willing to abandon its gallery under less Feeding methods were the jostling about in their gallery. adverse conditions but the gallery would food plants. (see article No. 1 become badly soiled if humidity rose same as H. crassidens Feeding page 10). above 80%. A level of 60% to 80% was Mating quite acceptable and achieved by misting H. crassicruris was quite carnivorous. It the soil and leaf litter every 2 days in dry Abnormality displays this in two ways. First, it ate H. crassicruris displays the same weather and every 5 days in damp more insect and animal products than most wetas except perhaps Hemiandrus shuddering motion as does H. crassidens weather. An interesting example of an abnormality was observed with one of the 22 wetas species. This was the case with both during courtship. Copulation takes a little used in this breeding programme - a male adults and nymphs. Secondly it actually longer than with H. crassidens - just over had three instead of two abdominal cerci. caught and held live insects ensuring that 2 minutes on some occasions - and the they did not escape. Most wetas when male is less assertive towards the female Food These are the curved, finger-like projections at the tip of the abdomen. In catching live insects simply kill their after mating. The females are receptive this example the right-hand cercus was victim by biting repeatedly. This quickly from September onwards through summer Caring for Hemideina crassidens prior to becomes consumption. H. crassicrurus and autumn. having this species was very helpful. The duplicated, the additional member being quite normal in appearance. I have not does this but also wraps its legs around same food was provided for this weta. seen this in any of the 650 Wellington the prey quickly to ensure escape is not were taupata, ngaio, mahoe Favourites wetas I have weighed and measured or in possible. The front and middle legs are Eggs and Egg Laying species. Owing to its and various Hebe any other weta for that matter. involved and the spines on the tibiae assist larger size and greater strength this weta by giving a firm hold. The weta will then In April the females in my programme was more willing to eat through main bite quickly and deeply, before starting to laid in the soil of the enclosures. The stems and veins of leaves than was H. eggs are 6.5 to 7 mm long, greyish- black Behaviour eat. crassidens. Dead foliage of all kinds, in colour and cigar-shaped. The female is bark, flower petals and fruit were all As with other wetas the females consume cautious on the floor and very thorough in Most of the information pertaining to H. consumed in varying amounts. Apple was more insects and animal material than the her search for a place to lay. She moves very popular but, as with H. crassidens, crassidens applies to this species with slowly, turning her head from side to side This males. An increase in the amount of this it was used in moderation because this regard to its nocturnal behaviour. type of food eaten occurs approximately 3 and palpating with her palps. Like other species became "addicted" to it. weta displayed similar courtship, fighting, weeks before oviposition. wetas, H. crassicrurus tends to lay where mating and egg-laying behaviour. previous oviposition has taken place.

ARTICLE 3. Keeping the Auckland Emergence weta, Hemideina thoracica (White, 1846) Hatching in this species commences chorion was neatly split at the top, broad during October and continues until the end end, and a fine split extended down one of November. The females are very side. I only found 10 unhatched eggs. I productive - 962 eggs hatched. When raised the nymphs successfully as hatching stopped I checked the soil. I described in article No. 5 page 30. Housing and Habitat found hundreds of empty egg shells. Like This weta is similar in many ways to those of H. crassidens, the shell or Hemideina crassidens in much of its I housed this species in the usual glass behaviour and its captive management, tank with metal lid enclosure such as was but there are some significant differences used for H. crassidens. It was less which separate it from other Hemideina inclined to use the special harem gallery, wetas. preferring to hide individually in the flax shelters. This species made good use of Hemideina thoracica is a small to average the Coprosma twigs and foliage and spent sized tree weta. It ranges from 37 to 65 much of its time in it. mm long. Adults weigh between 2 and 4 g. Males are often on the small side. Friable soil was laid at a depth of 50 mm Fig. 7 shows some of this weta's special and this was covered with a light features. It has longer, thinner legs than sprinkling of leaf litter, the same H. crassidens and its head is almost conditions as were used for H. crassidens. black in colour. This is the same in both (See article No. 1, p.10). sexes. The antennae are extremely long and its pronotum is light coloured unlike the usually black pronotum of H. crassidens. It has a uniformly greyish Environmental Conditions brown coloured abdomen lacking the transverse stripes. The temperature tolerance of this species The distribution of this weta overlaps that is the same as H. crassidens, 10 to 25°C of H. crassidens at Manakau, just south being the optimum. This weta did not of Levin. The wetas I have bred came become quiescent like the Deinacrida from near Levin. They are usually found species did. It became very restless in holes situated in suspended dead above 25°C and would often try to hide branches, and dead or dying vines. This under leaf litter on the soil surface if the weta is arboreal and omnivorous. temperature rose to 30°C.

Humidity requirements are also like those acceptable to the wetas which drank of H. crassidens but this species has a readily. distinct tolerance of higher humidity: 80 down to 60 % is ideal but this species was quite content with a range of 65 % to 85 %. The enclosure was misted every 2 Behaviour days in dry weather and every 4 to 5 during damp times. This weta Activity frequented damp shelters also. Energetic is the best way to describe this weta. It hardly goes anywhere without running and is interesting to watch at Food night. The species leaves its shelter quite early i.e. usually within an hour after This weta feeds on a wide range of dark and explores the enclosure often in a different plants and insects. Food feverish manner. Although easily preferences were similar to those of H. disturbed, H. thoracica quickly settles crassidens (see article No. 1) but as a down again. guide, taupata, karamu, ngaio and mahoe are excellent. Pepper tree Pseudowintera colorata, is also a good source of food for Movement this species and is normally not liked by other species of weta. H. thoracica is a confident jumper and will accurately leap to where it wants to Insect food consisted of a variety of go with ease. It will jump up to, over to moths, caterpillars, mealworms etc. The and down to the places it wishes to go to weta also ate oxheart, new-born mice, without hesitation. It will touch the new dog sausage, dead foliage, bark, flower site repeatedly with its long antennae petals and fruit, with apple being a before leaping. This occurs in other weta favourite. This weta fed nearly every species. This species readily jumps as a night instead of every 2 to 3 nights so I way of escape. provided fresh food each day.

Water was provided by using soaked Feeding cotton wool wads and by spraying foliage before adding it to the enclosure. Both When feeding, this weta, like H. methods were crassidens, will pull foliage down to its mouth. Holding on to the leaf Fig. 3 Auckland weta (particularly supple foliage e.g. Hemideina thoracica (White, 1846) (Levin specimen)

Mating ARTICLE 4. Keeping the ground hemideina willow) it will pull down with the front Mating occurs throughout summer and legs. It eats quite large amounts but is autumn and the females begin to oviposit Hemideina maori easily disturbed by other wetas when in April and May. The male has the (Pictet and Saussure, 1891) feeding. It also holds down insects while same mating behaviour as Hemideina eating them. crassidens and H. crassicruris but the females are often not as receptive. The male was often seen chasing after a Stridulation female until she stopped. Often the I was pleased to receive specimens of same way as do other Hemideina and female would commence running again Hemideina maori from Dr Mary McIntyre Deinacrida wetas. This weta is very vocal. It stridulates in before copulation could take place. After of Victoria University in 1989. This the same way as H. crassidens but the locating a receptive female, usually article describes the methods used to sound is higher and often clearer than that amongst branches, copulation is initiated maintain this group of wetas in captivity. of the larger Wellington weta. H. and, as in the other Hemideina species, These methods showed that this species Housing thoracica is quite aggressive towards its usually lasts only one to one and a half can be kept for an indefinite period quite own kind and has a distinct dislike of H. minutes with the male hanging from the satisfactorily. I received four specimens - one adult crassidens. Skirmishes can readily occur female. Usually the female departs first female and 3 nymphs of differing ages. but usually without severe conflict or but sometimes it is the male. The male H. maori is an interesting species of tree Each weta was housed individually in a 2 injury. Stridulation, especially when is sometimes assertive toward the female weta that has become adapted for living litre plastic ice cream container. If more involving eviction from shelters, is very as in the other Hemideina species, but on the ground, and is found on the river adults had been available I would have effective in this species as a way of often the two simply part company flats of the foothills and mountainous used the usual glass tank with steel lid communicating. without any agression. regions of central Canterbury. It is housing that I use for most of the wetas I illustrated in Fig. 4. The adult female of keep. The plastic containers proved quite this species attained a weight of 4.6 g satisfactory and the wetas settled down Defence Eggs and Egg Laying which is heavy for its size and measured quickly. 49-56 mm in length. This species defends itself vigorously and Females laid their eggs throughout the Soft friable soil was spread to a depth of will bite if mishandled. It is otherwise a enclosure. They were 5 to 6 mm long, The species has shorter legs than most 25 mm for the nymphs, and 50 mm for safe species to hold when at ease but is black, and cigar-shaped. They are Hemideina wetas and a thickset round the adult female. Leaf litter was often a little hurried in its movements. It positioned vertically and the female only body. It has bold transverse black stripes sprinkled on top and pieces of bark and is a sprightly active weta well worth spends brief periods on the floor laying. along the length of the body, a dark some stones were added. Climbing keeping. The nymphs hatch in October. For brown head which is well developed even material such as Coprosma sprigs was information on rearing see article No. 5, in females and an almost greenish colour added and freely used by the wetas. The page 30. on its legs and under parts. The antennae sprigs were also useful in providing a are shorter than the usual Hemideina substrate for the nymphs to cling to antennae. during ecdysis.

Hemideina maori is a ground-dwelling species hiding under stones, wood and debris beneath low shrubs. It does not raise its hind legs above its head in the

Fig. 4 The ground hemideina Insects consumed included mealworm Movement Hemideina maori (Pictet and Saussure, 1891) larvae, caterpillars, moths, and crickets. Water was provided by spraying the Hemideina maori is not a great climber foliage fed to the wetas. Cotton wool and the adult female was not as confident wads were not necessary in the small 2 in this as were the nymphs. The nymphs litre plastic containers. jumped a little but the adult was quite reluctant to use this form of behaviour. In fact it jumped even less than the Behaviour Mahoenui Giant weta!

Although its defensive behaviour suggests that Hemideina maori is an aggressive Feeding weta, this is not so. Normally it is very placid and will tolerate handling very This weta was a rather sporadic feeder. well. I found it quite endearing. The It would often not eat for two to three male nymph behaved in a similar way to nights, then eat a small amount and then the females and he was no more assertive a large amount. There appeared to be no than they were. He may become more so pattern regarding its eating habits. It when mature because this species has an would however sometimes eat insects enlarged head with formidable mandibles, freely when fed by hand. but not to the extent of other Hemideina wetas. Defence

The defensive behaviour of this species is Activity very interesting. It does not raise its hind Food With colder temperatures Hemideina legs above its head in the same way that Environmental Conditions and Deinacrida wetas showed the same slowing down other Hemideina maori do, and has lost to some degree, the process as did other Hemideina wetas. The temperature requirements were the Hemideina maori eats the same food as When provoked the Although it was slow it did not become ability to do so. same as those of other Hemideina wetas. other Hemideina wetas. It is omnivorous hind legs will rise a short way up but quiescent like the Mahoenui weta did. A temperature range of 9 to 25°C was and eats a reasonable amount of insect weta adopts different Although it is likely this species spends a otherwise the quite satisfactory and humidity was kept food. I found the following food items defensive procedures. It will usually raise considerable amount of time in this slow at between 60% and 80%. 1 feel this were willingly consumed by Hemideina middle leg facing its condition in its natural habitat, it does not the front and species may be able to tolerate dryer maori - taupata, ngaio, mahoe, plantain, with exposed mandibles, seem to have any particular adaptation to attacker, and, conditions. The plastic containers were Hebe, willow and karamu. Dead leaves then roll upside down if the cold conditions at least below 10°C. will sprayed briefly every 2 days in summer and bark were also eaten as were some provocation persists. In this inverted However at 100C it was more active than and every 5 to 6 days in winter. The flower petals (Ranunculus sp.) and fruit position the weta will then strike its hind other weta species. The species may be above conditions and fittings could have (apple). This weta also ate cabbage. legs towards its head producing a distinct been duplicated easily in a 60 cm by 30 able to store fat longer in order to survive cm by 30 cm glass tank. the long cold periods.