New Guinea Spiny Stick Insect vs Golden Spiny Ant

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute New Guinea Spiny Stick Insect Golden Spiny Ant
Scientific Name Eurycantha horrida Polyrhachis ammon
Order Phasmatodea Hymenoptera
Family Phasmatidae Formicidae
Size 100-140 mm 5-7 mm
Habitat Woodlands Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Nectar Feeders
Regions Oceania Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

New Guinea Spiny Stick Insect

A robust, dark-colored stick insect densely covered in sharp tubercles and spines. It is nocturnal and hides in communal groups in crevices during the day.

💡

Did You Know?

Groups of up to 20 individuals shelter together in the same crevice during the day, making them one of the most social stick insect species known.

Golden Spiny Ant

A striking Australian spiny ant with golden pubescence covering a black body. Workers have prominent paired petiolar spines. Colonies nest in soil mounds or under bark and are common in Australian eucalypt woodlands.

💡

Did You Know?

Their golden body hairs reflect sunlight and may help with thermoregulation in the hot Australian sun.