Spinifex Termite vs Dobson's Stick Insect

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Spinifex Termite Dobson's Stick Insect
Scientific Name Nasutitermes longipennis Clitarchus hookeri
Order Blattodea Phasmatodea
Family Termitidae Phasmatidae
Size Workers 4-5 mm; soldiers 5-6 mm 80-100mm
Habitat Grasslands Gardens
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Australia Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Spinifex Termite

A mound-building termite common across the dry interior of Australia. Its hard earthen mounds dot the landscape of arid grasslands and are a key food source for echidnas.

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Did You Know?

Short-beaked echidnas tear open the rock-hard mounds with powerful claws to feast on the termites inside.

Dobson's Stick Insect

New Zealand's most common stick insect, found in gardens and native bush throughout the country. It ranges from bright green to brown. Some populations are entirely female and parthenogenetic.

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Did You Know?

It was accidentally introduced to the United Kingdom via imported plants and now has established populations in southwest England.