Giant Walkingstick vs Bhaskara's Leaf Insect

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Walkingstick Bhaskara's Leaf Insect
Scientific Name Megaphasma denticrus Pulchriphyllium bhaskarai
Order Phasmatodea Phasmatodea
Family Phasmatidae Phylliidae
Size 75-180 mm 6-8 cm
Habitat Woodlands Mountains
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions North America Indonesia (Java)
Conservation Least Concern Data Deficient

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.

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.