Prehistoric Monster...

As I walked in the garden gate this morning I just missed standing on this guy .. It is a New Zealand Tree Weta ( Hemideina Thoracica) and is found in bush and gardens in most parts of NZ .. They look a bit scary but if you don't harm them they won't hurt you .. though when I was taking a shot with my macro lens he did look a bit intimindating .. This fella was about 4 inches long (body) though with his legs and body stretch out probably about 8 inches .. https://www.google.co.nz/search?hl=en-NZ&authuser=0&ei=uR1rXrmeD_jjz7sPxr6TkAU&q=tree+weta+what+does+they+eat&oq=Tree+weta+what+do+they+eat&gs_l=psy-ab.1.0.33i22i29i30.411020.420845..422559...2.2..0.391.4795.2-11j6......0....1..gws-wiz.......0i71j0j0i22i30j33i160.i4QIQXsCJxI
He is some info on this insect that is unique to NZ.

[KoalaGardens🐨]

we get them here in Australia too (yep we get your NZ one) - they are rather intriguing aren't they!

[julia]

Oh I didn't know that ... pleased we shared..

[CoroJo]

The weta is the only insect I am terrified of!! When I was a child my brother used to put them down my back and I have been scared stiff of them ever since. BUT I have tried to break my fear and have actually got a weta hotel in the garden, but sadly it has not attracted any weta's yet, just cockroaches and earwigs!

[kali]

havent seen one for ages

[Graeme Stevens]

They’re a fab wee beasty- I believe they travel in pairs and mate for life, however I could be wrong ;) Great shot too.

[Brigette]

great shot. they scare me

[Dianne]

A great image - I am pleased you didn’t stand on him!

[Dianne]

And the shadow is great too.

[Maggiemae]

Best close up I've seen since one landed on my nose some years ago! fav

[Margo]

A great close up Fav

[Carole G]

I’ve only had a close encounter once with a weta. When we first moved to NZ, I found one in the bedroom. I was the one to rescue it and release it outside. The 2 guys in the house were too scared!

[Kathy A]

Wow, great close up

[Gosia]

Great macro

[Carole Sandford]

Fantastic detail of this scary looking thing!

[gloria jones]

Neat macro, details

[Angelika van Rooyen]

Superb macro!

[Korcsog Károly]

Wonderful shot!

[Richard Sayer]

Stunning detail in this...

[julia]

@vignouse It was a bit scary seeing it come at me in the view finder ..

[haskar]

Fav