Heracles Leaf Insect vs Waterlily Borer Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Heracles Leaf Insect Waterlily Borer Moth
Scientific Name Pulchriphyllium heracles Elophila gyralis
Order Phasmatodea Lepidoptera
Family Phylliidae Crambidae
Size 8-10 cm 18-24 mm wingspan
Habitat Mountains Ponds & Lakes
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Vietnam Eastern North America
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.

💡

Did You Know?

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

Waterlily Borer Moth

A small pale brown moth with wavy dark lines across its wings. Its larvae are aquatic, living underwater in cases made from fragments of waterlily leaves.

💡

Did You Know?

The larvae breathe underwater using modified gills and never surface until they are ready to pupate.