Eucalyptus Tortoise Beetle vs Malayan Stick Insect

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Eucalyptus Tortoise Beetle Malayan Stick Insect
Scientific Name Paropsis charybdis Phobaeticus serratipes
Order Coleoptera Phasmatodea
Family Chrysomelidae Phasmatidae
Size 9-12 mm Body 270-330 mm, total with legs up to 550 mm
Habitat Farmland Forests
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Australia (native), introduced to New Zealand Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Eucalyptus Tortoise Beetle

A pale yellowish-brown beetle with dark spots on the elytra and a characteristic domed tortoise-like shape. It is a major defoliator of Eucalyptus plantations in New Zealand.

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Did You Know?

It has become one of the most significant forestry pests in New Zealand, where it was accidentally introduced and has no native natural enemies.

Malayan Stick Insect

An extremely long stick insect with serrated legs that was once the longest known insect. Females can reach over 300 mm in body length alone.

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Did You Know?

Before the discovery of P. chani, this species held the world record as the longest insect.