Giant walking stick insect (Megaphasma dentricus)
Megaphasma dentricus is the largest walking stick species in North America. The insect measures about 75mm and 150 mm. The insect takes the appearance of a twig or small branch. The insect is found in red to brown color and in some cases they appear in shades of green color. This insect mainly found in forests and grasslands in the Midwest area. The female walking stick insect lay eggs in a hidden place on the ground in dead or dying leaves and foliage. The eggs will hatch in the spring and the siblings are found to be edible green color. The walking stick insect is found active during the late hours of the day so their movement is not noticeable to any predator. There are about 2500 species in the world. The walking stick insect emits a chemical spray from a gland that could cause temporary blindness and substantial pain. This insect has the capacity to reproduce parthenogenetically (females can clone themselves).
Walking stick insect resembles as a symbol of relationship between the insect and plant. |
