Short-winged Green Stick Insect vs Lichen-mimicking Stick Insect
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Short-winged Green Stick Insect | Lichen-mimicking Stick Insect |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Acanthoxyla inermis | Pseudodiacantha macklottii |
| Order | Phasmatodea | Phasmatodea |
| Family | Phasmatidae | Phasmatidae |
| Size | 80-110mm | 120-160mm |
| Habitat | Underground | Beaches & Coastal |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | Oceania | Oceania |
| 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.
Did You Know?
No males have ever been found for this species; the entire population reproduces through obligate parthenogenesis.
Lichen-mimicking Stick Insect
A large stick insect with a rough textured body covered in small outgrowths that mimic lichen. Its greenish-gray coloring completes the camouflage. It is nocturnal and incredibly slow-moving.
Did You Know?
Its lichen-like texture is so detailed that even close inspection with a hand lens can fail to reveal it is an insect.