Cave Weta

Probably a member of the Gymnoplectron species.  Possibly male because it does not have an egg-laying spike.  Definitely a young one because it was much smaller than the ones I usually see.  His body length is about 2.5 cm, and over all, is about 6 cm.  Twice this size is not unusual.  In large you can see the lovely velvety pattern on his back.

I found this little fellow in my laundry tub.  They occasionally come inside when the weather is cold but being nocturnal I see them only if they get themselves trapped in something.  I transferred him to a big plastic box to photograph him.  A natural setting would have been preferred, but he's so well camouflaged that he easily disappears.

He looks a bit like a grasshopper.  The thick thighs can be seen in the shadow.  However, the very long antennae set him apart. They are excessively long and they can turn 360º independently.  I watched it exploring the box, sweeping the antennae in all directions, seeming to caress the walls, and investigating the rounded corners, as in this shot.  Since they prefer dark places like caves and under houses the antennae obviously serve as eyes.

When the photo session was over I released him into the woodshed.

Cave weta are harmless.  They feed on fungi and plants, and sometimes other insects.  Some species can grow up to 35 cm!  Scary video of the giant cave weta.