Insects are the group of animals with the largest species described, approximately one million. Some members of these invertebrates have developed various quite particular strategies that seek to guarantee their survival and within these, we find the presence of an appearance that allows them to go practically unnoticed by their predators. An example is found in the so-called stick insects, which correspond to the order of phasmids. This last mentioned group resembles certain parts of a plant due to its shapes, colors and modes of behavior. In this way, they can be mistaken for a stick, leaf or vegetable bark.
In this article on our site we present the types of stick insects and their characteristics, reproduction and habitat. Keep reading!
Characteristics of stick insects
The main characteristic of stick insects is their possibility of mimicry, that is, the ability to imitate sticks, thorny twigs and even leaves and bark of plants. To achieve this, they are generally colored green, brown and with reddish variations However, there are exceptions in terms of coloration, since two recently described phasmid species in which the males have striking tones, such is the case of Achrioptera manga and Achrioptera maroloko. In the first case, they exhibit a combination of intense blue on the body and part of the yellow legs. In the second, the body is yellow with black wings. For their part, the females continue to present the common coloration of the group [1]
Various species of these animals have elongated and in some cases cylindrical bodies. Some have wings while others lack them. They have the ability to remain motionless, which, together with their colors, are the attributes that protect them from their predators. Others, on the other hand, are larger and wider, which resembles plant structures that are not sticks.
Although some species tend to feed and reproduce at night, during the day they can take advantage of when the branches of the plant move due to the action of the wind to consume food. So then, they use that moment to continue going unnoticed.
The reproduction of these insects is varied, since it will depend on the species. In general, they reproduce sexually, although there are some cases in which parthenogenesis The males use the spermatophore so that the female obtains the sperm that will fertilize her. The biological cycle times also differ from one species to another, being able to be a few months and even up to about a year. The females use three forms for ovoposition , some release them directly on the ground, others attach them to the leaves or branches of a plant and a third type they bury Eggs tend to look similar to a seed.
Types of stick insects
The typical stick insects, as we have mentioned, simulate sticks, but it is not the only form they present. Within the phasmids there are other species that show different traits, which also help mimicry. Let's know the examples:
Stick insects
The Common American walking stick (Diapheromera femorata), is a typical case of stick insect. It is square-headed and small, with long antennae and thin legs. On average, females measure about 95 mm, while males measure 75. The former tend to be brown and green, but the latter only brown.
Another example that we can mention is the giant cane (Megaphasma denticrus), when it remains motionless it is practically imperceptible, given its great resemblance to the twigs of a plant. It is characterized by being large, reaching up to about 110 mm Its colors range from green to reddish brown and it does not have wings.
Leaf Bugs
The typical case of this group is represented by the members of the genus Phyllium, who masterfully imitate the leaf of a plant, so they are green or brown in some cases. Their adaptation is so specialized that when they walk, they do it with movements from front to back, which simulates this plant organ. They can also take advantage of the presence of the wind to move. Seen from above, these phasmids even have typical leaf veins, making their resemblance to leaves uncanny.
There are various species of leaf insects. In 2019, a new one of this type was described, P hyllium regina, which is green with brown tones. Another is Extatosoma tiaratum, which mimics a leaf with green, brown, cream or yellowish thorns and has the typical swaying behavior of the group.
Bark bugs
A third group of these insects has developed an appearance rather similar to the bark of trees or even a piece of decomposing wood, so its coloration is brown or similar shades. Their bodies tend to be thick than leaf insects and much broader than stick insects.
An example is represented by the species Eurycantha calcarata, known as the giant spiny stick insect. It is quite bulky and is usually on the ground; the coloration is dark brown. Another is Sungaya inexpectata, commonly named Philippine bark bug. This species is robust, lacks wings and the males spend much of their time on the female so that she is not fertilized by another male. The coloration is between dark brown and grayish tones.
Other stick insect species:
- Timema nakipa
- Aetolus bacteria
- Bostra jaliscensis
- Diapheromera calcarata
- Megaphasma furcatum
- Phanocles burkartii
- Pseudosermyle carinulata
- Sermyle bidens
- Dubiophasma longicarinatum
- Ocnophila submutica
Where do stick insects live?
Like most insect species, those of the phasmid group have a wide distribution throughout various regions, in Europe, America, Asia, Africa and Oceania. They can be present in different types of ecosystems, such as humid and deciduous forests, grasslands, but it is even common for some species to live ingardens or agricultural areas
Stick insects require moist conditions for their reproduction, so water is an important factor for them. So it is usual for many to be located in habitats with these conditions.
What do stick insects eat?
Stick insects are herbivores, have mandibles for cutting and consuming parts of leaves, stems, or flowers. They can feed on grasses to woody plants.
Depending on the habitat they feed on different types of plants, some examples are: blackberry, rosebushes, oaks, hazelnuts, ivy, chestnut, silva leaves, among many others.
Care for stick insects
It has become common for various species of stick insects to be kept in captivity as pets. However, is not a domestic animal, since, given its characteristics and habits, it needs to develop in the presence of vegetation in a natural area or in a garden or plantation, that provide suitable living conditions. On the other hand, like many insects, their bodies are fragile, so they can be easily hurt
If you find a stick insect and cannot immediately take it to a space like those mentioned, it is important to keep it at temperatures that do not exceed 30o C, with water and remains of some of the mentioned plants for it to feed on, taking care that they have not been sprayed with insecticides. It is important not to manipulate it, but only what is necessary to take it to the place where it will be released.
Stick insects are without a doubt another wonderful example of how animals have developed amazing strategies over time to survive and stay within the web of life.
