Water Stick Insect vs Predatory Katydid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Water Stick Insect Predatory Katydid
Scientific Name Ranatra linearis Clonia melanoptera
Order Phasmatodea Orthoptera
Family Nepidae Tettigoniidae
Size 30-45mm 50-70 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Grasslands
Diet Predators Predators
Regions Europe, Asia Africa
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.

Predatory Katydid

A large predatory katydid with powerful spiny forelegs for catching insects.

💡

Did You Know?

Its spiny forelegs form a basket trap similar to those of praying mantises.