Square-spot Rustic vs Dobson's Stick Insect

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Square-spot Rustic Dobson's Stick Insect
Scientific Name Xestia xanthographa Clitarchus hookeri
Order Lepidoptera Phasmatodea
Family Noctuidae Phasmatidae
Size 32-38 mm wingspan 80-100mm
Habitat Gardens Gardens
Diet Root Feeders Herbivores
Regions Europe Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Square-spot Rustic

An extremely common autumn-flying moth with a diagnostic square stigma on the forewing. One of the most abundant moths in British gardens. Larvae feed on grasses.

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Did You Know?

Often the single most abundant moth species in garden moth traps during September.

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.