Adaptations of a Weta Marissa Gallagher 28/6/2017 Wetas are strange things, creatures that creep around at night and creatures that have very hard exoskeletons clinging to their skin but don't forget their awesome ability to freeze their blood. Wetas have encountered many nicknames throughout their years, Punga for example which means ‘Spirit of ugliness’. In this report we will be covering those unique abilities as talked about above. Enjoy! Have you ever wondered what creatures lurk around sneakily whilst we sleep? Creatures that are active at night and sleeping in the day are called Nocturnal animals. The Giant Weta is part of that ‘Nocturnal family’. The Weta hunts other insects at night when they sleep. That's why you hardly ever see Wetas in the day for they are sleeping. Doesn't the ability to freeze your own blood sound cool? The Weta has that ability, it's called Cryogenic which means that the Weta can freeze their own blood. The Weta hibernates during the cold winter nights of June, July and August; That is when they will freeze their blood, Isn't that fascinating! You hear the word ‘Exoskeleton’ a lot when you're talking about insects but what does it really mean? An exoskeleton is an external skeleton that supports and protects a weta’s body and Keeps in moisture. It is very important for it is like a hard shell on the outside of the Weta. Wetas are fascinating creatures

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As you come to the conclusion, of this explanation you think about the wonderful yet strange adaptations of the Weta. I hope you have enjoyed and have learned a thing or two. Thank you for reading.

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