Mountain Midge vs Macleay's Spectre

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mountain Midge Macleay's Spectre
Scientific Name Deuterophlebia coloradensis Extatosoma popa
Order Diptera Phasmatodea
Family Deuterophlebiidae Phasmatidae
Size 3-5 mm 10-14 cm
Habitat Mountains Forests
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions North America Papua New Guinea
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mountain Midge

A tiny midge whose larvae cling to rocks in fast-flowing alpine streams with suction discs.

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Did You Know?

Adults have bizarre fan-shaped wings that are useless for flight.

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.