Diet of the ground weta Zealandosandrus gracilis (Orthoptera: Stenopelmatidae) |
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| Authors: | Paul R L Cary |
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| Institution: | 1. Department of Zoology , University of Canterbury , Christchurch 1 , New Zealand;2. Department of Botany and Zoology , Massey University , Palmerston North , New Zealand |
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| Abstract: | Abstract The diet of the ground weta Zealandosandrus gracilis Salmon was investigated by examining the crop contents of 68 individuals collected throughout the year from the Cass area, Canterbury. Specimens representing all instars of both sexes, as well as adults, were obtained. Z. gracilis is carnivorous, preying on immature and adult invertebrates (mostly insects) of the forest litter. Similar prey was taken by early instars of both sexes; late instars captured a wider range of prey, including larger and more active species. Late-instar and adult females preyed more on adult insects such as mycetophilid flies than did males, which took more insect larvae. |
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| Keywords: | Orthoptera Stenopelmatidae Zealandosandrus gracilis diet crop content analysis carnivorous weta |
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