Mountain Midge vs Short-winged Green Stick Insect

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mountain Midge Short-winged Green Stick Insect
Scientific Name Deuterophlebia coloradensis Acanthoxyla inermis
Order Diptera Phasmatodea
Family Deuterophlebiidae Phasmatidae
Size 3-5 mm 80-110mm
Habitat Mountains Underground
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions North America Oceania
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.

Short-winged Green Stick Insect

A smooth bright green stick insect native to New Zealand. All known individuals are female. It has tiny vestigial wings that are useless for flight. It feeds on a wide variety of native plants.

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Did You Know?

No males have ever been found for this species; the entire population reproduces through obligate parthenogenesis.