The biggest grasshopper in the world weigh more than a sparrow

Ueta very heavy insect with a body length of 10 cm, not including their long legs and antennae, they weigh more than 71 grams, making it one of the world's heavy insects and heavier sparrow. Their generic name in Greek means "terrible grasshopper", found mainly in New Zealand at the offshore islands.





Almost all of them are wingless. They resemble large brown grasshopper, but its hind legs are enlarged and covered with large spikes. During insect protection with the force he throws them in front of him and trying to hurt the attacker.





But what is the cause of gigantism among these insects? These "living fossils" (yes, they have a very ancient origin) appeared in the New Zealand area before it became an isolated archipelago. At that time there were no small mammals - the main enemies of ueta, and they took their niche.





Ueta perfectly adapted to living in any environment, whether forest, field, cave, land and city parks. They are nocturnal. Most of these giants are predators, but also a giant ueta eats lichen, leaves, flowers and fruits.





Who marked reduction in the number of these insects. The main reason is the destruction of the giant ueta small mammals and rodents, brought to the islands by man.







Source: www.goodnewsanimal.ru

via factroom.ru