Lichen-mimicking Stick Insect vs Golden Pergid Sawfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lichen-mimicking Stick Insect Golden Pergid Sawfly
Scientific Name Pseudodiacantha macklottii Perga gravenhorstii
Order Phasmatodea Hymenoptera
Family Phasmatidae Pergidae
Size 120-160mm 14-22 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Oceania Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Golden Pergid Sawfly

A large Australian sawfly with distinctive golden-orange coloring and dark wing venation. Larvae are gregarious spitfires on eucalyptus.

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Did You Know?

Female Perga sawflies show an unusual degree of parental care, standing guard over their egg masses for days to protect them from parasitoids.