Research Article C. WATTS, D. THORNBURROW,Journal I. STRINGER of Orthoptera AND V. CAVE Research 2017, 26(2): 171-180171 Population expansion by Cook Strait giant we−ta−, Deinacrida rugosa (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae), following translocation to Matiu/Somes Island, New Zealand, and subsequent changes in abundance CORINNE WATTS1, DANNY THORNBURROW1, IAN STRINGER2, VANESSA CAVE3 1 Landcare Research, Private Bag 3127, Hamilton, New Zealand. 2 Department of Conservation, PO BOX 10420, Wellington, New Zealand. 3 AgResearch Ltd, Private Bag 3115, Hamilton 3240, New Zealand. Corresponding author: Corinne Watts (
[email protected]) Academic editor: Corinna S. Bazelet | Received 16 May 2017 | Accepted 19 October 2017 | Published 6 December 2017 http://zoobank.org/338BA05F-8573-4E81-BCD5-5D39517C9FD7 Citation: Watts C, Thornburrow D, Stringer I, Cave V (2017) Population expansion by Cook Strait giant we−ta−, Deinacrida rugosa (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae), following translocation to Matiu/Somes Island, New Zealand, and subsequent changes in abundance. Journal of Orthoptera Research 26(2): 171–180. https://doi.org/10.3897/jor.26.21712 Abstract because of their small size, high reproductive output, and small spatial requirements (Pearce-Kelly et al. 1998). There are few Wētā, large wingless anostostomatid orthopterans, have been the most documented examples of invertebrate translocations, other than frequently translocated insects in New Zealand. Until recently, such trans- for Lepidoptera in the Northern Hemisphere (New et al. 1995 locations were only monitored intermittently to confirm presence. We in- and references therein, Witkowski et al. 1997) and Orthoptera in vestigate the spread of Cook Strait giant wētā (Deinacrida rugosa Buller, New Zealand (Watts et al. 2008a, Watts and Thornburrow 2009, 1871) after its release on Matiu/Somes Island, Wellington, New Zealand, Watts et al.