Lichen-mimicking Stick Insect vs Tree Locust

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Lichen-mimicking Stick Insect Tree Locust
Scientific Name Pseudodiacantha macklottii Anacridium melanorhodon
Order Phasmatodea Orthoptera
Family Phasmatidae Acrididae
Size 120-160mm 55-75 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Grasslands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Oceania Sahel region, North Africa, East Africa
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.

Tree Locust

A large grey-brown locust with distinctive vertical stripes on its eyes and a rough thorax crest. It roosts in trees and can form small swarms.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most locusts that rest on the ground, tree locusts spend most of their time roosting high in trees during the day.