The Mahoenui or giant weta has been around for 190 million years. This species was thought to have been wiped from the planet, but a remnant population was discovered surviving in a small hunk of King Country gorse back in 1962.
Around 100 Mahoenui were release into Maungatautari Ecological Island in April 2012 - the first time that the species had been introduced to a mainland mammal-free native forest. These insects can weigh up 25 grams and measure 65mm - about the size of your hand.
There are over 70 species of weta and counting. A new species has just been found on the west coast of the South Island.
Check out this edition of DOC's 'Meet the locals' to learn more about these ancient creatures.
For more information on Maungatautari Ecological Island visit their website or their facebook page.
