Acacia Thrips vs Thorny Devil Stick Insect

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Acacia Thrips Thorny Devil Stick Insect
Scientific Name Kladothrips waterhousei Eurycantha calcarata
Order Thysanoptera Phasmatodea
Family Phlaeothripidae Phasmatidae
Size 1.5-2.5 mm 100-150 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Gall Makers Herbivores
Regions Oceania Oceania
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Acacia Thrips

An Australian gall-inducing thrips that creates enclosed galls on Acacia phyllodes. It exhibits a soldier caste that defends the gall.

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Did You Know?

This thrips has evolved a soldier caste with enlarged forelegs, making it one of the few eusocial insect lineages outside Hymenoptera.

Thorny Devil Stick Insect

A massive, heavily armored stick insect from New Guinea with powerful spiny hind legs. Males have a large curved spine on each hind femur used in combat.

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Did You Know?

Males use the large curved spine on their hind legs as a weapon, clamping down on predators or rival males like a vice with surprising force.