Water Stick Insect vs Coppery Dysphania

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Water Stick Insect Coppery Dysphania
Scientific Name Ranatra linearis Dysphania cuprina
Order Phasmatodea Lepidoptera
Family Nepidae Geometridae
Size 30-45mm 70-75 mm wingspan
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Forests
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Asia Southeast Asia
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.

💡

Did You Know?

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

Coppery Dysphania

A brightly colored day-flying moth widespread across Southeast Asia. The metallic coppery-gold and black pattern warns predators of its unpalatability. Flies with a slow, confident wingbeat.

💡

Did You Know?

Flies slowly and conspicuously during the day, confident that its bright warning colors will deter predators.