''Hemiandrus bilobatus'', the wine wētā (or Cook Strait ground weta), is a species of ground weta endemic to New Zealand. Being a ground weta, they are often found in

burrow An Eastern chipmunk at the entrance of its burrow A burrow is a hole or tunnel excavated into the ground by an animal to construct a space suitable for habitation or temporary refuge, or as a byproduct of locomotion. Burrows provide a form of sh ...

s in the ground during the daytime (as they are

nocturnal Nocturnality is an animal behavior characterized by being active during the night and sleeping during the day. The common adjective is "nocturnal", versus diurnal meaning the opposite. Nocturnal creatures generally have highly developed sens ...

). The species is found in Wellington, on Mana Island and northern South Island and is classified as "Not Threatened". This species of weta is unusual for an insect in that the female shows maternal care. She lays about 50 eggs in the same burrow she uses during the day and looks after her eggs until they hatch.

Taxonomy

''Hemiandrus bilobatus'' was first described in 1938. The specific name refers to the two lobes on the ventral surface of the abdominal tergites of adult females.Johns PM 2001. Distribution and conservation status of ground weta, Hemiandrus species (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae). Science for Conservation 180, New Zealand Department of Conservation, Wellington, New Zealand. ''Hemiandrus bilobatus'' includes populations of ground weta found in the Awatere Valley in Marlborough previously referred at as ''Hemiandrus'' "promontorius" or "Cape Campbell".

Habitat/distribution

''Hemiandrus bilobatus'' are endemic to the Wellington and Marlborough regions of New Zealand. They are often found in burrows in the ground during the day, and are only active at night. During the night they are quite active on the ground, but are also found in on tree trunks and foliage.

Conservation

The New Zealand Department of Conservation classified this species as not threatened.

Diet

''Hemiandrus bilobatus'' are omnivorous. They have been observed eating invertebrates such as ''Deinacrida rugosa'' (giant weta), moths and beetle larvae and feeding on the young buds of grape vines. Control of ground weta in vineyards has been tried using a number of approaches, the most effective method being a layer of mussel shells under the vines.

Morphology

Cook Strait ground weta females have a very short

ovipositor The ovipositor is a tube-like organ used by some animals, especially insects, for the laying of eggs. In insects, an ovipositor consists of a maximum of three pairs of appendages. The details and morphology of the ovipositor vary, but typical ...

Behaviour

''Hemiandrus biolobatus'' come out of their burrows at night. During mating males provide the female with a nuptial food gift. The females share burrows with their eggs and care for nymphs.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q11843913 Wētā Insects described in 2013 Anostostomatidae Endemic insects of New Zealand