White Ermine vs Dobson's Stick Insect

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute White Ermine Dobson's Stick Insect
Scientific Name Spilosoma lubricipeda Clitarchus hookeri
Order Lepidoptera Phasmatodea
Family Erebidae Phasmatidae
Size 34-42 mm wingspan 80-100mm
Habitat Farmland Gardens
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Europe, temperate Asia Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

White Ermine

A pure white moth peppered with variable black dots, resembling ermine fur. The number of spots varies greatly between individuals.

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Did You Know?

Some individuals have so few spots they appear nearly pure white, while others are heavily marked.

Dobson's Stick Insect

New Zealand's most common stick insect, found in gardens and native bush throughout the country. It ranges from bright green to brown. Some populations are entirely female and parthenogenetic.

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Did You Know?

It was accidentally introduced to the United Kingdom via imported plants and now has established populations in southwest England.