Lackey Moth vs Lichen-mimicking Stick Insect

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lackey Moth Lichen-mimicking Stick Insect
Scientific Name Malacosoma neustria Pseudodiacantha macklottii
Order Lepidoptera Phasmatodea
Family Lasiocampidae Phasmatidae
Size Wingspan 30-40mm 120-160mm
Habitat Orchards Beaches & Coastal
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Lackey Moth

A pale tawny moth whose colorful striped caterpillars spin communal silk tents on trees.

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Did You Know?

Caterpillars live together in conspicuous silk tents on trees and march out in processions to feed.

Lichen-mimicking Stick Insect

A large stick insect with a rough textured body covered in small outgrowths that mimic lichen. Its greenish-gray coloring completes the camouflage. It is nocturnal and incredibly slow-moving.

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Did You Know?

Its lichen-like texture is so detailed that even close inspection with a hand lens can fail to reveal it is an insect.