Creosote Bush Walkingstick vs Hanging Thief Robber Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Creosote Bush Walkingstick Hanging Thief Robber Fly
Scientific Name Diapheromera covilleae Diogmites platypterus
Order Phasmatodea Diptera
Family Diapheromeridae Asilidae
Size 5-8 cm 15-22 mm
Habitat Deserts & Drylands Farmland
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas), Mexico North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Creosote Bush Walkingstick

A desert-adapted walkingstick that feeds on creosote bush in the American Southwest. It matches the gray-green color of its host plant.

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Did You Know?

It is a specialist feeder on creosote bush, one of the most drought-tolerant plants in North America.

Hanging Thief Robber Fly

A slender, elongate robber fly that hangs from vegetation by its front legs while feeding. It has long dangling legs and a distinctive hunting posture unlike most other asilids.

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Did You Know?

It earns its name by dangling from a single leg while consuming prey, freeing the other legs for handling food.