These common New Zealand insects can be found in all parts of this island country. The insects of New Zealand include a lot more than just wetas and glowworms.
The insects of this country are as unique and special as the birds, trees, reptiles, and fish. Nearly 70% of the plants and animals of New Zealand are endemic. It is estimated that nearly 90% of the insects of New Zealand are endemic. That is among the highest rates of endemic insects for any place in the world. Here are 5 common New Zealand insects you are likely to see.
5 Common New Zealand Insects
Cicadas
There are about 40 species of endemic cicadas in New Zealand. The sound of these insects is a sign of summer. Their loud chirping can be heard for 4 – 8 weeks between January and March.
Sandfly
Unfortunately, New Zealand has an abundance of biting sandflies. Sandfly bites can be very itchy and can even cause swelling. Their saliva has anticoagulant properties, allowing them to suck your blood.
Red Admiral Butterfly
The Red Admiral is a large butterfly (65 mm) whose coloring is dark brown with orangish/reddish bars on the wings, and white spots on wingtips. This is perhaps the most common butterfly in NZ. It’s most often seen mid to late summer.
Cook Strait Giant Weta
There are more than 70 species of weta in New Zealand, all of which are endemic and flightless! The Cook Strait giant weta is among the largest and heaviest of New Zealand’s insects.
New Zealand Glowworm
Like all insects the glowworm undergoes metamorphosis during its life. It’s immature form, a larva or worm, is the famous one. As an adult it becomes a fly. These worms emit a light from their tail to attract insects to catch them on sticky threads they drop down from their bodies.