Hemiandrus maia
Hemiandrus maia, the Otago ground wētā, is a species of ground wētā endemic to New Zealand. Being a ground weta, they are often found in burrows in the ground during the daytime. The species is occurs on the South Island and is classified as "not threatened". This species of wētā is unusual for an insect in that the female looks after her eggs and nymph.
Taxonomy
Hemiandrus maia was first described in 2013, but had been referred to in previous publications by an informal name. The species name comes from the Greek name Maia, the eldest of the Pleiades, meaning 'mother' or 'good mother'. This name is given to this species to reflect the maternal care exhibited.
Habitat and distribution
Hemiandrus maia are endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. Because they are a ground weta, they are often found in burrows in the ground during the day, as they are a nocturnal species. During the night however, they are quite active on the ground, but are also found in vegetation.
Conservation
Under the New Zealand Threat Classification System, this species is listed as "Not Threatened".
Diet
Hemiandrus maia is omnivorous, eating fruit and invertebrates but avoiding seeds of native plants.
Morphology
Otago ground wētā females have a medium-length ovipositor. Male and females have fore tibiae with a single superior prolateral spine and mid tibiae with two superior prolateral spines and three superior retrolateral spines.
Behavior
Hemiandrus maia come out of their burrows on average once every three nights. The females share burrows and care for eggs and nymphs.