Lord Howe Island Stick Insect vs Vietnamese Stick Insect
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Lord Howe Island Stick Insect | Vietnamese Stick Insect |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Dryococelus australis | Medauroidea extradentata |
| Order | Phasmatodea | Phasmatodea |
| Family | Phasmatidae | Phasmatidae |
| Size | 120-150 mm | 80-120 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Oceania | Asia |
| 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.
Vietnamese Stick Insect
A large, smooth-bodied stick insect commonly kept as a pet and used in school biology classes. It reproduces readily through parthenogenesis.
Did You Know?
Vietnamese stick insects frequently play dead when disturbed, dropping from their perch and lying completely motionless on the ground for extended periods.