This week's critter is the rarest of our seven tree wētā species (Hemideina). The Banks Peninsula tree wētā (Hemideina ricta) is only found in a 200km2 patch of remnant native bush on Banks Peninsula. Wētā frass (poop) plays an important role in the ecosystem - it helps disperse native seeds and creates nutrient rich soil.
Banks Peninsula tree wētā Photo: Mike Bowie
