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Autolyca elena
This is a walking stick which is imitating a scorpion. It is shiny black and carries the tail end curled up over the abdomen. It is remarkably like a scorpion in general appearance and behavior. However, it is phytophagous and not a predator nor can it sting. It also has extremely long antennae which are banded orange and black and of course, only 3 pair of legs. This is a male. With the abdomen extended, it is close to 6 cm in length.
Found in the garden on the outskirts of San Cristobal de Las Casas with pine forest above and wetlands below. Mountain Highlands of Chiapas, Mexico, 2,200 meters.
I have seen 2 pictures of a similar species of this walking stick (the antennae are reddish brown instead of banded) from Guatemala. I am hoping to find out more about that one. This specimen is a male, which most resembles a scorpion. The female lacks the bulbous genitalia and does not curl the abdomen. Her abdomen is much thicker and shorter, however she is not twice the size of the male as in many other phasmids. Both sexes of adults are wingless.
I have collected and raised some of these. Are the ones from Guatemala with mostly red antennae autolyca elena? what species is it if not? It is very hard to find information on any of these autolyca. The females I have do also curl their tails! : )
So glad you found one! I've only ever seen 2 and am always looking. The male is really impressive!
I just caught and released one in San Marcos La Laguna, Guatemala. First one I have ever seen in the 6 years I have been here. Pretty cool.
Many thanks to Mark Bushell who found the identification of this species. The type specimens were collected in the Sierra Madre mountains of Chiapas, Mexico in 2006 and were given new species status in 2008. The types are currently in St. Petersburg, Russia.
Spotted on Jul 15, 2011
Submitted on Aug 31, 2012
