Weta Report - Term 3

This is a piece of writing that we did for our minibeast topic when we were learning about Weta. We had to write an information report on  this insect.

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    Amazing Weta Report                                                         

       

What is a weta? 

Weta are a native insect to New Zealand.They have six legs and they are cold
blooded.They have an abdomen and thorax. People think weta look very ugly
and this is why Maori people also called them punga which means they are the
spirit of ugliness.Weta also have ears on their knees. Weta are an
invertebrate which means they have no backbone.Weta can live up to 2 years
and their weight can go up to 30g. They also have sticky feet.               

    Where do weta live? 

Weta live in rotten logs.They also live in holes in trees,burrows in the ground
,sea coast caves,hollow tree trunks and Island sanctuaries.These are all the
places that weta live.

  

What does a weta eat?

Weta eat other bugs and also eat flowers. Weta also eat fruit, carrots,leaves
and lichen.

Where does a weta breed?

Weta breed in alpine environments,forests,grassland,caves,shrub lands and
urban gardens.Weta mate in spring or summer.Female weta lay their eggs in
autumn.The eggs stay in the ground for a year.As the babies grow they have
to shed their skin. 

Threats to weta 

Before humans came the only threats to weta were tuatara and birds.Humans brought animals like cats,rats,hedgehogs,stoats and ferrets that also now eat weta.Humans have also destroyed weta habitats.This means some weta are endangered. We can look after weta by making sure they have habitats to live in and predator free areas where they are safe.