Ueta [1] , or Veta [2] ( Maori wētā ) is the collective name of more than 100 species that inhabit the territory of New Zealand of the representatives of the Anostostomatidae and Rhaphidophoridae families from the Order Winging Wings . The name comes from the Maori language (the indigenous people of New Zealand).
| Polyphyletic animal group | |
|---|---|
 Male Hemideina crassidens in a threatening pose | |
| Title | |
| Whata | |
| Title Status | |
| not determined | |
| Parent taxon | |
| Superfamilies Stenopelmatoidea and Rhaphidophoroidea | |
| Families | |
Anostostomatidae , Rhaphidophoridae | |
This group includes one of the heaviest insects - Deinacrida heteracantha . Females of this species, reaching a length of 8.5 centimeters, can weigh up to 71 grams [3] [4] , which, however, is less than the mass of some beetles, for example, goliaths [5] . Most of the copies of ute weighs about 43 grams [6] [7] . However, a considerable part of the weight is made up of future eggs that are in the abdomen of the female. The weight of females without eggs rarely exceeds 19 grams [6] .
The males of three species have unique structural and behavioral features among the orthopterans — representatives of the genera Motuweta (2 species), Libanasidus (2 species) and Anisoura (monotypic) have long strong mandibles, with which they arrange for bodding in the manner of some beetles (for example, beetles deer ).
Content
Description
The group consists of large wingless insects with a large fat body. Color predominantly brown. The males of a number of species have large developed mandibles . The most widespread species of Deinacrida rugosa reaches a length of 7 centimeters and weighs 30 grams. Another type of Deinacrida heteracantha reaches a weight of 70 grams [3] [4] . Begin to multiply at the age of one and a half years. The female lays 200-300 eggs and soon dies.
To protect against predators use their back pair of legs, which in many species are studded with large spikes. When attacking an insect with a force throws them in front of him.
They feed on other insects, leaves, flowers, fruits and fruits. Giant insects are actively involved in the distribution of seeds of native plants, feeding on their fruits.
The emergence of gigantism
The gigantic size of flightless orthoptera of New Zealand, in particular, this one, is associated with the absence of small mammals on these islands - insects have occupied their ecological niche .
Classification
Anostostomatidae family
- Genus deinacrida
- Genus hemideina
- Genus Motuweta
- Genus hemiandrus
Family of Cave Grasshoppers
- Subfamily Macropathynae
- Childbirth, for example, Weta
Strength
There is a rapid decline in the number of these insects, caused by the introduction of small mammals, rats, rabbits, and others to humans by the islands.
Hemideina crassidens
Deinacrida fallai
Hemideina crassidens
Male Motuweta isolata
Male Anisoura nicobarica
Notes
- ↑ O. Yu. Kharkov. The Red Book. Butterflies, bugs and other insects M .: Eksmo, 2015
- ↑ F. Steel Atlas of the World for schoolchildren M .: Olma-press, 2006. ISBN: 5-94847-006-7
- ↑ 1 2 New Zealand ecology. Gigantism in insects publisher = TerraNature Trust (English) . Circulation date April 2, 2010. Archived April 21, 2012.
- 2 1 2 Did You Know that Hauturu is .... (English) (inaccessible link) . Little Barrier Island (Hauturu) Trus. Circulation date April 2, 2010. Archived April 21, 2012.
- ↑ Scarab (Scarabaeidae)
- 2 1 2 The University of Florida Book of Insect Records - Chapter 30: Largest
- Onal Abs - - 26 Abs Abs Abs Abs Abs Abs Abs Abs Abs Abs Abs onal onal onal onal onal onal onal onal onal onal onal onal onal onal onal onal onal onal onal onal onal onal onal onal onal onal onal onal onal Ronald M. Young History