Amazonian Giant Stick Insect vs Velvet Stick Insect

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Amazonian Giant Stick Insect Velvet Stick Insect
Scientific Name Bacteria ferula Peruphasma schultei
Order Phasmatodea Phasmatodea
Family Phasmatidae Pseudophasmatidae
Size 150-230 mm 40-55 mm
Habitat Forests Mountains
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions South America (Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador) South America
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Amazonian Giant Stick Insect

A very long stick insect reaching over 200 mm, with an extremely thin body that closely mimics dead twigs. Females are larger and thicker than males and are capable of parthenogenetic reproduction. It remains motionless during the day, swaying gently to mimic wind-blown vegetation.

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Did You Know?

Its genus name Bacteria was coined long before the microorganisms were named and refers to its stick-like appearance (from Greek bakterion, meaning small staff).

Velvet Stick Insect

A jet-black velvety stick insect with bright red vestigial wings found in one small area.

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Did You Know?

Its entire wild range covers less than five hectares in the Cordillera del Condor.