Stick Insects: Mimicking Takes a Whole New Meaning!
Stick insects have some of nature’s most remarkable camouflage skills; unless you have an eye of a hawk, they’re almost impossible to differentiate from their natural surroundings. Here’s a look at the pure genius of these amazing creatures.
Stick insects belong to the family Phasmatodea, which include some of the most amazing mimics in the entire animal kingdom. Their ancestors have existed for than 40 million years, though they’ve changed little over time.
The stick insect uses camouflage to take the appearance of their primary surroundings i.e. sticks. They do it to protect themselves from predators as they’re almost impossible to differentiate when compared to their surroundings.
That isn’t all, when they walk; they rock back and forth to mimic the motion of branches being blown by the wind. The effect is truly amazing; it’s like watching a piece of wood walk away!
The body of the stick insect varies from insect to insect, often irregularly shaped to form a unique stick design. Their color usually varies from brown to green; many of them also have shades of grey and red depending on their environment.
Many species have color discolorations on various parts of their bodies to give them a more natural look. The end result is a masterpiece, a walking, eating and living stick!
The insects are herbivores and their diet consists purely of leaves, and they feed only during the night to avoid contact with predators. They are also one of the small group of insects who can regenerate lost appendages.
Insect Kamasutra
As a further proof of this creature’s mind-boggling adaptability is the appearance of its eggs, which have an uncanny resemblance to seeds. In fact ants have been known to carry them off to their nests assuming them to be real seeds! The young nymphs resemble their parents as soon as they hatch, thought they are smaller in size. .
They are of the few insects that are not considered as pests. More than 300 species have been reared in captivity. They’re extremely easy to take care of and make excellent pets.
Stick insects are truly marvels of the natural world which have thrived for millions of years seeking little attention. In the natural world, staying under the radar is probably the best way to survive…
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11 Responses to “Stick Insects: Mimicking Takes a Whole New Meaning!”
On November 26, 2008 at 8:27 am
I used to catch these back in western New York when I was a kid. They are very difficult to find because they are so well camouflaged.
-thestickinsectman
On November 26, 2008 at 8:29 am
These are so cool!
On November 26, 2008 at 8:47 am
Great photographs as well!
On November 26, 2008 at 10:07 am
Wow, these are amazing. I have never seen any of these up close. Well done my friend
On November 26, 2008 at 10:28 am
thats really cool
On November 26, 2008 at 12:32 pm
Cool article, nice photograph!
On November 26, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Interesting article and cool photos. Would these stick insects be considered praying mantis.
On November 26, 2008 at 9:33 pm
Very interesting.
Thank you!
Inna
On November 27, 2008 at 6:03 am
Great article.
On November 27, 2008 at 6:05 am
Interesting post and awesome photos.
On November 27, 2008 at 8:55 am
Very enlightening article Amit
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