Huhu Beetle vs Tessellated Stick Insect
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Huhu Beetle | Tessellated Stick Insect |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Prionoplus reticularis | Tessulata tessulata |
| Order | Coleoptera | Phasmatodea |
| Family | Cerambycidae | Lonchodidae |
| Size | 25-50 mm | 60-80mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Wood Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Huhu Beetle
New Zealand's largest endemic beetle, the huhu beetle is a longhorn beetle whose larvae bore into dead and decaying wood. Adults are nocturnal and strongly attracted to lights. The larvae, called huhu grubs, were a traditional food source for Maori.
Did You Know?
Huhu grubs were considered a delicacy by Maori and are said to taste like peanut butter when eaten raw.
Tessellated Stick Insect
A brown patterned stick insect covered in tessellated scale-like markings that resemble rough bark. Its legs are flattened and bark-like. It is a nocturnal feeder that remains motionless during the day.
Did You Know?
Its unique tessellated pattern looks like interlocking tiles of bark, a camouflage strategy unlike any other stick insect.