Bhaskara's Leaf Insect vs Chilli Thrips

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Bhaskara's Leaf Insect Chilli Thrips
Scientific Name Pulchriphyllium bhaskarai Scirtothrips dorsalis
Order Phasmatodea Thysanoptera
Family Phylliidae Thripidae
Size 6-8 cm 0.8-1.2 mm
Habitat Mountains Gardens
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Indonesia (Java) Asia, North America, Central America, Oceania
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Bhaskara's Leaf Insect

A leaf insect endemic to Java, Indonesia, recently separated from closely related species. It has distinctly rounded abdominal lobes.

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Did You Know?

It was only recognized as a distinct species in 2021, previously being lumped with mainland Asian leaf insects.

Chilli Thrips

A tiny pale yellow thrips that is an invasive pest of peppers, strawberries, and ornamental plants. It causes severe scarring and distortion of new growth.

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Did You Know?

Chilli thrips are so tiny that they can pass through standard window screens, making them very difficult to exclude from greenhouses.