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Story: Insects – overview

Huhu beetle

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Huhu beetle

Huhu beetles are common in native and exotic forests, where their larvae feed on rotting wood. They are one of New Zealand’s larger beetles, with a body length of 5 centimetres. Adults cannot eat, and live for only two weeks. In this time they mate, and females seek out fallen logs or dead branches where they can deposit their eggs.

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Department of Conservation

Reference: 10032253

by Rod Morris

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How to cite this page

George Gibbs, Insects – overview – In the bush, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/10074/huhu-beetle (accessed 9 June 2026).

Story by George Gibbs, published 1 March 2009.