Short-winged Green Stick Insect vs Box Sucker

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Short-winged Green Stick Insect Box Sucker
Scientific Name Acanthoxyla inermis Psylla buxi
Order Phasmatodea Hemiptera
Family Phasmatidae Psyllidae
Size 80-110mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Underground Gardens
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Oceania Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Box Sucker

A tiny jumping plant louse that causes cupping and distortion of box leaves. Nymphs produce waxy secretions. Can cause significant damage to ornamental box hedges.

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Did You Know?

Causes the characteristic cupped and distorted leaves seen on many box hedges in spring.