Mountain rock weta

This weta species has developed special adaptations that enable it to survive cold temperatures for a prolonged period of time. Hemideina maori is found in alpine environments in the South Island of New Zealand.

They have developed special proteins in their haemolymph (the insect equivalent of blood) which prevent ice from forming in their cells. This enables them to survive at temperatures down to –10°C, even when 82 per cent of their body water has frozen.

This is the largest insect in the world known to be tolerant to freezing.