Artificial weta roosts: A technique for ecological study and population monitoring of Tree Weta (Hemideina) and other invertebrates

Tree weta (Hemideina) are an important component of New Zealand forest ecos ystems and have been identified as possible invertebrate indicator species in restoration programmes. We present designs for artificial weta roosts th at have been used to monitor tree weta in Hawke's Bay for five years. A var iety of invertebrates use the roosts including two species of Hemideina. Ou r data suggest that occupation of roosts may take a number of years, each r oost monitors a very limited area, and that occupation by invertebrates flu ctuates seasonally. We recommend that data from weta roosts be used primari ly for temporal rather than spatial comparisons, and that installation of r oosts takes place as far ahead of changes in management as feasible.