Giant Walkingstick vs Rufous Grasshopper
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Giant Walkingstick | Rufous Grasshopper |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Megaphasma denticrus | Gomphocerippus rufus |
| Order | Phasmatodea | Orthoptera |
| Family | Phasmatidae | Acrididae |
| Size | 75-180 mm | 14-22mm |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Grasslands |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | North America | Europe, Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
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.
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.
Rufous Grasshopper
A medium-sized grasshopper with distinctive white-tipped, club-shaped antennae. Males have reddish-brown coloring while females are more variable. It prefers warm, sheltered slopes.
Did You Know?
Its white-tipped clubbed antennae are unique among European grasshoppers and aid in species recognition.