Jungle Nymph vs Giant Prickly Stick Insect

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Jungle Nymph Giant Prickly Stick Insect
Scientific Name Heteropteryx dilatata Extatosoma tiaratum
Order Phasmatodea Phasmatodea
Family Heteropterygidae Phasmatidae
Size 130-160 mm (females) 100-150 mm (females)
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Asia Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Jungle Nymph

One of the heaviest stick insects, with females weighing up to 65 grams. Females are bright green with small wings; males are mottled brown and can fly.

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Did You Know?

The jungle nymph is one of the heaviest insects alive — adult females can weigh 65 grams and will defensively slash their powerful spiny hind legs when threatened.

Giant Prickly Stick Insect

Large Australian stick insect with lobed legs resembling leaves. Females drop eggs that mimic seeds — ants carry them underground to their nests where they safely develop.

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Did You Know?

Giant prickly stick insect eggs have a knob that mimics a seed nutrient body — ants carry the eggs to their underground nests, unwittingly protecting them from predators.