Peppered Moth of New Zealand vs Malagasy Spiny Leaf Insect
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Peppered Moth of New Zealand | Malagasy Spiny Leaf Insect |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cleora scriptaria | Phyllium malagassum |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Phasmatodea |
| Family | Geometridae | Phylliidae |
| Size | 30-40 mm wingspan | 60-80 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Oceania (New Zealand) | Madagascar |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Peppered Moth of New Zealand
An endemic New Zealand geometrid moth known as the kawakawa looper, whose caterpillars feed on kawakawa and other native plants. The caterpillars are expert twig mimics, holding themselves rigid at an angle from the branch. Adults have speckled grey wings.
Did You Know?
The kawakawa looper caterpillar is such an effective twig mimic that it can be almost impossible to detect on a branch, even when you know it is there.
Malagasy Spiny Leaf Insect
A remarkable leaf insect with a broad, flat green body that exactly mimics a living leaf, complete with mid-ribs, veins, and even faux bite marks. Females are wingless while males can fly.
Did You Know?
When walking, it sways side to side to mimic a leaf blowing in the wind, making it nearly impossible to detect among real foliage.