Northern two-striped walkingstick

Description:

Anisomorpha is a genus of walking stick insect capable of secreting a substance from glands on the metathorax that can cause an intense burning irritation of the eyes (and in some cases temporary blindness) and mouth of potential predators on contact. The female is MUCH larger than the male, and he can often be seen clasped to her posterior and riding on her back, sometimes long before he is sexually mature.

Habitat:

Found in a small neighborhood near downtown Tulsa, close to the Arkansas River.

Notes:

Oklahoma is the western range of the genus. Other common names for walkingsticks in Anisomorpha are: "prairie alligator," "musk mare," and "devil's riding horse." NOTE: I found this pair and brought them home where I set them up and observed them feeding and laying eggs.