African Giant Stick Insect vs Jungle Nymph

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Giant Stick Insect Jungle Nymph
Scientific Name Palophus centaurus Heteropteryx dilatata
Order Phasmatodea Phasmatodea
Family Phasmatidae Heteropterygidae
Size 150-230 mm (females) 130-160 mm (females)
Habitat Mountains Forests
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda) Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

African Giant Stick Insect

One of the largest stick insects in East Africa, with females reaching over 20 cm in length. It has thorny legs and body protrusions that enhance its twig-like camouflage.

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Did You Know?

When threatened, it can drop from branches and play dead for extended periods, or thrash its spiny hind legs as a defensive display.

Jungle Nymph

One of the heaviest stick insects, with females weighing up to 65 grams. Females are bright green with small wings; males are mottled brown and can fly.

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Did You Know?

The jungle nymph is one of the heaviest insects alive — adult females can weigh 65 grams and will defensively slash their powerful spiny hind legs when threatened.