Deinacrida mahoenui is a very large flightless insect: females weigh up to 19 grams (0.67 oz) and can be 75 millimetres (3.0 in) long, while males reach 12 g and 50 mm.
Females can be distinguished by their size and their long egg-laying spikes or ovipositors.

Uniquely amongst giant wētā, D. mahoenui has two colour morphs: mahogany brown (over two thirds of the population) and golden yellow (about 31%).
A two-coloured female has even been found, having one side brown and the other yellow.
Deinacrida mahoenui is a very large flightless insect: females weigh up to 19 grams (0.67 oz) and can be 75 millimetres (3.0 in) long, while males reach 12 g and 50 mm. Females can be distinguished by their size and their long egg-laying spikes or ovipositors.
Uniquely amongst giant wētā, D. mahoenui has two colour morphs: mahogany brown (over two thirds of the population) and golden yellow (about 31%). A two-coloured female has even been found, having one side brown and the other yellow.
Deinacrida mahoenui