Water Stick Insect vs Carmelae's Thorny Stick Insect

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Water Stick Insect Carmelae's Thorny Stick Insect
Scientific Name Ranatra linearis Trachyaretaon carmelae
Order Phasmatodea Phasmatodea
Family Nepidae Heteropterygidae
Size 30-45mm 9-13.5 cm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Forests
Diet Predators Herbivores
Regions Europe, Asia Philippines
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.

Carmelae's Thorny Stick Insect

A robust, thorny stick insect from the Philippines reaching up to 13.5 cm. It has rough, bark-like texture on its body surface.

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Did You Know?

Its heavily textured body makes it look exactly like a piece of rough bark when motionless.