<i>Metarhizium anisopliae</i> infection of an adult wētāpunga ( <i>Deinacrida heteracantha</i> )

<i>Metarhizium</i> species are ubiquitous in the environment, and <i>M. anisopliae</i> is a known keratophilic pathogen of insects with application as a biologic pest control agent. While empirical topical treatment appeared to alleviate the external clinical signs of the ocular infection, the severity of infection was difficult to determine ante-mortem. Here, through retrospective analyses of this and similar cases at Auckland Zoo, we show that fungal integumentary and/or ophthalmic disease in wētāpunga may present as focal darkening of the exoskeleton and pallor of the affected eye(s). Given the limitations for ante-mortem diagnostics and treatment options in invertebrates, and the unknown capacity for these animals to perceive pain, subsequently making it more challenging to assess their welfare while diseased, euthanasia remains an important treatment option in invertebrate medicine.