Giant Prickly Stick Insect vs Lackey Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Prickly Stick Insect Lackey Moth
Scientific Name Extatosoma tiaratum Malacosoma neustria
Order Phasmatodea Lepidoptera
Family Phasmatidae Lasiocampidae
Size 100-150 mm (females) Wingspan 30-40mm
Habitat Woodlands Orchards
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Oceania Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Giant Prickly Stick Insect

Large Australian stick insect with lobed legs resembling leaves. Females drop eggs that mimic seeds — ants carry them underground to their nests where they safely develop.

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Did You Know?

Giant prickly stick insect eggs have a knob that mimics a seed nutrient body — ants carry the eggs to their underground nests, unwittingly protecting them from predators.

Lackey Moth

A pale tawny moth whose colorful striped caterpillars spin communal silk tents on trees.

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Did You Know?

Caterpillars live together in conspicuous silk tents on trees and march out in processions to feed.