The giant ueta is considered the largest grasshopper in the world, with bodies reaching up to 4 inches in length and weighing up to 3 ounces. They are native to New Zealand.
The heaviest documented giant ueta weighed more than a sparrow. There are 11 species of giant ueta, with the largest being the Little Barrier Island giant ueta, which is also called the wetapunga. The genus name is Deinacrida, which means "fierce grasshopper" in Greek.
These insects are primarily found on the offshore islands of New Zealand, as they have been nearly exterminated from the mainland thanks to predators. Some species of giant ueta have been found in California.
