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Walkingstick Insect: Master of Camouflage

Walkingsticks (Phasmatodea) mimic twigs. Males have claspers (pinchers) for mating; females are larger. They feed on leaves at night, motionless by day. Six legs—front pair held forward like antennae.

Fun Facts

Herbivores, not pests.
Parthenogenetic in some species (females lay fertile eggs without males).
Regenerate lost legs.

Enjoy these fascinating mimics.

Walkingstick

Male walkingstick with claspers.

Walkingstick closeup

Front legs extended for camouflage.

About Gardening: Aspen Burrowing Insect: Likely Earwigs, Not Primary Pests; Small Dark Winged Insects: Ants vs. Termites; Insect Identification: Refer to Pest Specialists; Horntail Woodwasp: Identification and Why Control Is Rarely Needed; Walking Stick Kale: Towering Edible Ornamental; Rosinweed (Silphium compositum): Taprooted Native Perennial; Dogfennel Identification and Control in Pastures and Landscapes; Rose Sawfly Larvae: Identification and Control; Giant Resin Bee: Carpenter Bee Hole Squatters from Asia; Is Your Lantana Dead or Just Dormant?

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