Hemiandrus sterope, the lightning wÃÂtÃÂ, is a species of Hemiandrus. It is a medium-sized ground wÃÂtÃÂ, and was discovered in the Marlborough Sounds alongside three other wÃÂtÃÂ species, published in 2020. The name 'lightning' comes from one of the Pleiades sisters.
The male lightning wÃÂtÃÂ beats its abdomen against a leaf or other structures. It is believed that it is used as a form of communication by creating vibrations that other wÃÂtÃÂ can listen to.
Under the New Zealand Threat Classification System, this species is listed as "Not Threatened".