L'Archiduchess as an aside in a posting What's the etymology of the phrase 'to levy taxes'? asked whether it was true that there are no snakes in New Zealand and that there is an insect as large as a hand.
There are no snakes in New Zealand. In fact, unlike Australia where almost everything is a threat to life or its enjoyment, there are almost no insects, reptiles nor animals that are deadly in this country.
However we do have a huge insect with a body about 10 cm long and a leg span of 20 cm. It is called a Giant Weta and it is big by insect standards with a maximum recorded weight of 71 grams - the weight of a song thrush. It's a docile creature and it's only defence is its tough exoskeleton. This was sufficient defence against indigenous potential predators such as morepork, harriers, kingfishers and tuatara. However it has meant that it has become the prey of many introduced manals and rodents.
(Photo: Richard Sharell.)
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