Zhao Stick Insect vs Eastern Hanging Scorpionfly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Zhao Stick Insect Eastern Hanging Scorpionfly
Scientific Name Phryganistria chinensis Bittacus strigosus
Order Phasmatodea Mecoptera
Family Phasmatidae Bittacidae
Size 357 mm body (640 mm with legs) 20-28 mm wingspan
Habitat Mountains Meadows
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Asia Eastern North America
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Zhao Stick Insect

The longest insect ever measured at 64 cm with legs extended. Discovered in 2014 in Guangxi, China. A captive-bred specimen set the world record in 2017.

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Did You Know?

This stick insect was so elusive that entomologist Zhao Li spent six years searching for it after hearing reports from local villagers before finally spotting one at night.

Eastern Hanging Scorpionfly

A North American hangingfly that hunts small insects while dangling from vegetation. Females assess male quality based on the size of prey offered as nuptial gifts.

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Did You Know?

Females will only mate with males that offer prey items above a certain size, rejecting males with inadequate gifts.