[5] In addition, phylogenetic analysis placed D.carinata in a monophyletic clade along with the sub-alpine sister species Deinacrida tibiospina, which is its closest living relative.

[9] They are predominately herbivorous and feed on a variety of leaves, flowers, fruits, lichens and grasses, but will occasionally eat other invertebrates.

[4] In past survey's D. carinata has been observed in native woody shrub species on Herekopare island,[13] and has been recorded persisting amongst cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata), Californian thistle (Cirsium arvense), southern nettle (Urtica australis) cabbage tree (Cordyline australis), Carex sedge and harakeke/flax (Phormium tenax).

It has been identified in the past that cats, rodents and weka are the main reasons for the decline of this species in its current distribution.

[2] Furthermore, previous survey's conducted by the Wildlife Service reveal the extent to how much cats were impacting D.carinata on Herekopare Island.

[15] Native lizards have also been noted as being probable natural predators such as small-eared skinks (Oligosoma stenotis) and Raukawa gecko (Hoplodactylus maculatus), which both have been observed during past survey's for D.carinata on Tihaka/Pig Island.

[4] The New Zealand Department of Conservation (DOC) have acknowledged D. carinata is a species of which "little is known" in the Threatened Weta recovery plan (1998),[4] and only a few surveys have been conducted in the past.