Possible ngaio seedling? Adult tree was nearby but this small seedlings leaves were quite soft. No scent when crushed.
On grass field at edge of bioblitz
Auckland tree weta? Accidentally exposed by breaking down of palmgrass stems during annual manual weed control of this location. This was the last plant needing squashing today, and on disturbing the weta we left the site without further disturbance to allow the weta to relax and settle in again. The base of the plant was not disturbed and the broken leaves remain as cover, so it might not even have to relocate, even if this plant is its home.
Do wetas maintain a stable home, or move around? There were no dead logs or other wood within half a metre or more, so maybe this is not even a home, just a feeding spot? The plant is surrounded by several mature putaputaweta, some old and decaying, with many puriri moth holes, some with moth exuviae observed.
A very friendly male.
Grafton Gully at Symonds Street Cemetery (East), Grafton, Auckland 1010. Common.