Deinacrida heteracantha

New Zealand has released approximately 11,000 wētāpunga (Deinacrida heteracantha) into the wild through a 15-year conservation breeding programme. The wētāpunga is the heaviest insect in New Zealand and ranks among the heaviest insect species in the world. The initiative demonstrates how captive breeding, habitat protection and carefully planned translocations can help conserve threatened endemic species.

What Is Wētāpunga?

The wētāpunga is a giant wētā native to New Zealand. It is a large, flightless insect belonging to the order Orthoptera, which also includes grasshoppers and crickets.

Its scientific name is Deinacrida heteracantha. The species is notable for its large body size and its dependence on suitable habitats for survival. Habitat loss and introduced mammalian predators have contributed to the vulnerability of New Zealand’s native wildlife, including giant wētā species.

Conservation Breeding and Translocation Programme

The conservation programme was led by Butterfly Creek and Auckland Zoo, with support from New Zealand’s Department of Conservation.

Its key achievements include:

• Approximately 11,000 wētāpunga released into the wild.
• 45 translocations conducted across 10 sites north of Auckland.
• Eight predator-free islands and two mainland reserves included in the programme.
• Self-sustaining wild populations established on Motuora and Tiritiri Matangi islands.

A translocation is the deliberate movement of organisms from one location to another to establish, restore or strengthen a population.

The programme’s results were reported in the New Zealand Journal of Zoology. The report, co-authored by Department of Conservation honorary researcher Dr Chris Green, was released on 2 October 2026.

Conservation Status of Wētāpunga

The species’ conservation classification changed from “Threatened Nationally Endangered” in 2004 to “Threatened Nationally Increasing” in 2022.

The establishment of self-sustaining populations is a significant conservation milestone. On Motuora and Tiritiri Matangi, at least four to five generations have been born in the wild without continuous human intervention.

The techniques developed through this programme are also informing conservation work for the Māhoenui giant wētā and native stag beetles.

Deinacrida heteracantha: Important Facts for Exams

• Common name: Wētāpunga or giant wētā.
• Scientific name: Deinacrida heteracantha.
• Native range: New Zealand.
• Conservation partners: Butterfly Creek, Auckland Zoo and New Zealand’s Department of Conservation.
• Total releases: Approximately 11,000 individuals.
• Translocations: 45 across 10 sites.
• Important islands: Motuora and Tiritiri Matangi.
• Order: Orthoptera.
• Conservation methods: Captive breeding, translocation, predator control and habitat protection.
• Related species: Māhoenui giant wētā and native stag beetles.