Water Stick Insect vs Alpine Assassin Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Water Stick Insect Alpine Assassin Bug
Scientific Name Ranatra linearis Coranus subapterus
Order Phasmatodea Hemiptera
Family Nepidae Reduviidae
Size 30-45mm 9-12 mm body length
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Grasslands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Asia Europe, Alps, Mediterranean mountains
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Water Stick Insect

Despite its common name, this is actually a true bug (Hemiptera) that resembles a stick insect and lives underwater. It breathes through a long tail siphon. It is a slow-moving aquatic predator.

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Did You Know?

Though called a stick insect, it is actually an aquatic true bug that breathes through a snorkel-like tail tube.

Alpine Assassin Bug

A predatory bug of dry alpine and montane grasslands. It ambushes prey with its powerful raptorial forelegs.

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Did You Know?

It has short wings and rarely flies, relying on stealth to catch prey on the ground.