Lord Howe Island Stick Insect vs Gray's Thorny Stick Insect
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lord Howe Island Stick Insect | Gray's Thorny Stick Insect |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dryococelus australis | Haaniella grayii |
| Order | Phasmatodea | Phasmatodea |
| Family | Phasmatidae | Heteropterygidae |
| Size | 120-150 mm | 8-12 cm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Forests |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Oceania | Malaysia (Borneo), Brunei |
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Least Concern |
Lord Howe Island Stick Insect
Once thought extinct after rats were introduced in 1918, a tiny population was rediscovered in 2001 on Balls Pyramid, a volcanic sea stack 23 km from Lord Howe Island.
Did You Know?
Fewer than 30 individuals were found clinging to a single bush on a barren sea stack — making this the rarest insect rediscovery in history. Captive breeding saved the species.
Gray's Thorny Stick Insect
A large thorny stick insect named after the zoologist John Edward Gray. It inhabits the dense rainforests of Borneo.
Did You Know?
Borneo is the center of Heteropterygidae diversity, with more species than any other region.