Four-lined Silverfish vs Giant Walkingstick

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Four-lined Silverfish Giant Walkingstick
Scientific Name Ctenolepisma lineatum Megaphasma denticrus
Order Zygentoma Phasmatodea
Family Lepismatidae Phasmatidae
Size 8-12 mm 75-180 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Detritivores Herbivores
Regions Mediterranean Europe, North Africa North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Four-lined Silverfish

A silverfish identified by four dark longitudinal lines on its body. It is found outdoors under bark and stones in Mediterranean climates.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most silverfish, it is primarily an outdoor species that rarely enters buildings.

Giant Walkingstick

The longest insect native to North America at up to 180 mm. Completely wingless and nocturnal. Named for small spines under its mesofemur.

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Did You Know?

At 7 inches long, this is North Americas largest insect by length — yet it is so well camouflaged as a twig that most people walk right past them without noticing.