[2] This species can be distinguished from other ground wētā by their three superior retrolateral spines on their mid tibia and females have relatively long ovipositors.

[5] The genus Zealandosandrus was formed to separate species with the distinct traits of long ovipositors and the absence of a modified 6th abdominal sternite in female wētā.

[7] This species can be distinguished from other ground wētā by their three superior retrolateral spines on their mid tibia and females have relatively long ovipositors.

[7] Nuptial gifting occurs in Hemiandrus species where the male attaches a spermatophylax with the sperm ampulla onto the female when mating.

Ground wētā are important as they are part of the diet of native kiwi[11] They are also eaten by introduced mammals in New Zealand such as hedgehogs[12] and stoats.