Pachyrhamma waitomoense
This species is only found in cave systems around Waitomo, and its long slender limbs give it a beautiful and graceful appearance.
Most cave wētā don’t live in caves, but this one was first discovered living in one. And not just any cave, but the world-famous Waitomo Cave. Most cave wētā are not confined to cave environments. That is probably true of this species too, but it is far more likely to be seen inside Waitomo Cave and other caves in the Maniapoto karst system than outside.
The Waitomo cave wētā has a base colour of light brown with darker markings, particularly on the rear edge of most body segments. Like other cave wētā they have slender bodies with long, thin legs and very long antennae. Males have longer antennae and legs relative to body length than females. They also lack the female’s sword-like ovipositor used for laying eggs.
This species was described by Aola Richards in 1958 and much of what we know about it has come from her observations. They feed on moss and will also eat ferns and other plants that have enough exposure to light to survive. When annoyed, these insects may kick furiously and regurgitate a mix of saliva and their last meal.
Check these links for more info on the Waitomo Cave Wētā in NZ
Wikipedia: Information on the Waitomo Cave Wētā
Zealandia: Information on Cave Wētā
images
Click on the image to visit the official observation.
