Wallaces Golden Birdwing vs Malagasy Spiny Leaf Insect
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Wallaces Golden Birdwing | Malagasy Spiny Leaf Insect |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Ornithoptera croesus | Phyllium malagassum |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Phasmatodea |
| Family | Papilionidae | Phylliidae |
| Size | 160-190 mm wingspan | 60-80 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Forests |
| Diet | Nectar Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Asia | Madagascar |
| Conservation | Near Threatened | Data Deficient |
Wallaces Golden Birdwing
Named after Alfred Russel Wallace, who called it the finest specimen he ever captured. Males are brilliant orange-gold and black. Found only in North Maluku, Indonesia.
Did You Know?
Wallace was so overwhelmed by catching this butterfly in 1859 that he wrote his head began to ache and he felt close to fainting from the beauty of the creature.
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.