Heracles Leaf Insect vs Big-headed Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Heracles Leaf Insect Big-headed Fly
Scientific Name Pulchriphyllium heracles Pipunculus campestris
Order Phasmatodea Diptera
Family Phylliidae Pipunculidae
Size 8-10 cm 3-6 mm
Habitat Mountains Farmland
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Vietnam Europe, Asia
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Heracles Leaf Insect

A recently described leaf insect from Vietnam named for the Greek hero Heracles. It is a large species with striking venation on its wings.

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Did You Know?

It was described in 2021 as part of a molecular study that split the old genus Phyllium into multiple new genera.

Big-headed Fly

A small fly with an enormously enlarged, almost entirely eye-covered spherical head. It hovers in vegetation searching for leafhopper hosts in which to parasitize.

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Did You Know?

Its enormous eyes give it near-360-degree vision, allowing it to spot leafhoppers from any angle while hovering.