Tree weta are hemimetabolous insects, meaning they hatch from eggs as small versions of adults.
Eggs are laid in the soil and hatch after about 8 months without parental care.
Over about 12 months nymphs grow and molt nine times before reaching full size (8-12 grams) and sexual maturity.
Hemideina trewick are smaller than the sympatric H. thoracica and reach maturity earlier in the summer.
During the late summer and autumn adult female tree weta shelter together in the same tree cavities.
Male weta use chemical cues to find other adult weta and fight for access to harems.
Tree weta are hemimetabolous insects, meaning they hatch from eggs as small versions of adults. Eggs are laid in the soil and hatch after about 8 months without parental care. Over about 12 months nymphs grow and molt nine times before reaching full size (8-12 grams) and sexual maturity. Hemideina trewick are smaller than the sympatric H. thoracica and reach maturity earlier in the summer. During the late summer and autumn adult female tree weta shelter together in the same tree cavities. Male weta use chemical cues to find other adult weta and fight for access to harems.
Hemideina trewicki