Macleay's Spectre vs California Timema

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Macleay's Spectre California Timema
Scientific Name Extatosoma popa Timema californicum
Order Phasmatodea Phasmatodea
Family Phasmatidae Timematidae
Size 10-14 cm 1.5-2.5 cm
Habitat Forests Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Papua New Guinea United States (California)
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Macleay's Spectre

A large, leaf-mimicking phasmid closely related to the giant prickly stick insect. Its body is covered in lobed projections resembling dried leaves.

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Did You Know?

Its lobed body appendages curl and resemble dead, decaying leaves to perfection.

California Timema

A small green walking stick endemic to California. It is one of the most widespread Timema species on the Pacific coast.

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Did You Know?

The entire genus Timema is restricted to western North America and represents the most ancient lineage of living stick insects.