Neonetus


Neonetus is a genus of cave wētā in the family Rhaphidophoridae, endemic to New Zealand. All described species are small; when adult, individuals are only about 1 cm long. Neonetus variegatus and N. huttoni are common in native and exotic forests but because they are small and nocturnal, they are often overlooked.

Taxonomy

The genus Neonetus was established by Brunner von Wattenwyl in 1888.

Biology

Neonetus are active at night when they are vulnerable to becoming food for rats and kiwi.

Distribution

Current observational data suggests that Neonetus is restricted to the North Island of New Zealand.

Species

Neonetus huttoni Chopard, 1923 Neonetus pilosus Talitropsis/Neonetus poduroides Neonetus variegatus Brunner, 1888