My living taonga recount

Giant weta are the heaviest insect in the world and are native and endangered. There are 11 types of these massive insect.  The maori name of giant weta is wetapunga meaning god of ugly things. The giant weta weighs up to 68 grams which makes it the heaviest insect. Because it's so heavy the giant weta can not jump.

A giant weta measures 100 mm and is 20 to 30 grams in weight. They have six triangular legs but on the front legs there are two ears sticking out of it’s knees. The head has two black eyes and a small mouth with a few tiny teeth. On the chin 4 feelers help it to feel it way around. And 2 antennae stick out of its forehead

Did you know that giant weta live on Little Barrier Island and also live in forests,  

, shrublands and caves.  They may also be found under stones in rotting logs and in pre-formed burrows.

Giant weta will eat any little creepy crawlies it can find such as flies, moths  and more   creepy crawlies . It will also eat veer tahsin and leaves.  They can eat seedheads and fruit like apples, berries, and bananas.

Giant weta have several predators such as rats,  cats and hedgehogs. Humans can also be considered as predators since humans are destroying their habitat. But humans are trying to protect the giant weta by moving then to Little Barrier Island where people hope they will breed and continue to survive.  

Giant weta have survived since the dinosaurs and  have changed very little over this long period of time but in the 21st century they are becoming endangered.  People need to help this large and very heavy insect. HELP THE GIANT WETA!!!l