New Zealand Anostomatidae include several groups of similar looking (depending on your experience) insects that are relatively closely related to one another viz: "tree weta", "ground weta", "tusk weta" and "giant weta"

tree weta ground weta wellington tusk weta giant weta
tree weta ground weta tusk weta giant weta

Please follow the below key to identify which anostostomatid weta do you have.

Key to differentiate four groups of anostomatid weta:

1. Spines on the hind tibia?

about five pairs of very heavy spines (spines longer than those on the ankle joint)

Hind tibial spines

.....go to 2

more than five pairs but small (shorter than the ones on the ankle joint)

.....go to 3

2. How wide is pronotal shield when compared to head?

same width as head......

tree weta

wider than head

giant weta pronotal shield

....... giant weta

3. Are there ears on fore tibia?


ears of tusk weta

............. tusk weta


ground weta no ear

............... ground weta (also Cave weta)