Spiny Ridge-backed Stick Insect (female)

Description:

The common name is quite a mouthful for such a small phasmid. It grows to about 4 - 5cm from head to tip of the abdomen; green or brown in colour, with the distinct spiny ridge running down from the thorax, almost to the tip of the abdomen. It is the only species in this genus and endemic to New Zealand, where it can be found only on the north island and some small offshore islands.

Habitat:

I found this little critter while hiking in the Waitakere Ranges, west of Auckland on a meadow. I only spotted it because it was scrambling around among the grasses, rather unusual for phasmids that usually remain motionless and camouflaged.