Bearded Robber Fly vs Giant Spiny Stick Insect
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Bearded Robber Fly | Giant Spiny Stick Insect |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Machimus atricapillus | Haaniella dehaanii |
| Order | Diptera | Phasmatodea |
| Family | Asilidae | Heteropterygidae |
| Size | 12-18 mm | 100-140mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Forests |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Europe | Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Bearded Robber Fly
A common European robber fly with a prominent mystax (facial beard) of bristles that protect its face during prey capture. It hunts from perches on bare ground and low vegetation.
Did You Know?
Its dense facial beard of stiff bristles acts as a protective cage, shielding its eyes from the thrashing legs of captured prey.
Giant Spiny Stick Insect
A massive dark brown stick insect with prominent spines and a thick cylindrical body. Females are exceptionally heavy-bodied. It is one of the largest insects by bulk in Southeast Asia.
Did You Know?
Females are so heavy and bulky that they look more like a piece of rough bark than a stick.