Prehistoric Monster... New Zealand Weta..

Found this guy when I was gardening.. They look pretty scary but will only bite if they feel threatened.. They are quite large body about 10" and a total of about 25 from antenna to the tip of the pointy bit.
This is the Tree Weta and is endemic to New Zealand

[Maggiemae]

Wow - one of these jumped on to my nose when I pulled a curtain in our lounge in Auckland! Prehistoric is right!

[julia]

@maggiemae oh that would be a bit frightening..

[Issi Bannerman]

Gorgeous!

[Lesley Aldridge]

I remember my Son telling me about how persistent they were when he was camping in the south island.

[carol white]

Great capture

[Dianne]

Such a great photo of this creature. She has neat colours when viewed close up.

[Pat Knowles]

I have never seem one of these but I knew what it was…..one day perhaps! So big, you wouldn’t fidget seeing that! Great detail.

[Ian George]

Great close up. It does look rather fearsome.

[Korcsog Károly]

Great shot!

[Rob Z]

A 10 inch cricket like critter - that's amazing!

[gloria jones]

Neat details

[julia]

@robz the are a rally of crickets

[Milanie]

Wonderful details - what a huge insect.

[Delwyn Barnett]

Wetas are wonderful creatures!