Giant weta's big day out

Photo: SHANE WENZLICK

BIG GUY: The giant wetapunga crawls on Butterfly Creek manager Paul Barrett’s face.

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Meet the world's biggest weta – and it lives right here in Manukau.

The big creepy-crawly’s getting ready for its big day at the opening of the new exhibition Bugs About at Butterfly Creek in Mangere tomorrow.

Butterfly Creek’s John Dowsett says the wetapunga – a giant weta species found only on Little Barrier Island – is the flagship of the exhibit.

"The wetapunga is the largest weta in the world and one of the heaviest insects. And Butterfly Creek is the only facility in New Zealand with this magnificent insect on display."

The Conservation Department has granted Butterfly Creek the rear-and-release programme for the weta.

Sixteen wetapunga have settled into their new environment and have begun mating and laying eggs.

Tarantula, a giant centipede, mantids, native and introduced cockroaches and a beehive are among the other stars of the new exhibit, Mr Dowsett says.

Children will receive a Bugs About activity sheet and have the chance to win prizes.

For more information visit www.butterflycreek.co.nz or phone 275-8880.

- © Fairfax NZ News