Red/ Black Walking Stick

Description:

Looking like an extra in a Star Wars movie this insect is (my best guess) a type of tropical stick insect. Distinct red and black colors are usually a clear warning to potential predators. I have seen my fair share of stick insects, however, the bulge on the end of the tail of this spotting is a tab bit unusual.

Habitat:

I found this insect alongside a well traveled road at about midday in the vicinity of Sumaco Volcano in the Napo Province of Ecuador. This little explored sub-tropical rainforest holds a wealth of biodiversity. Elevation of spotting was at approximately 1200 MASL.

Notes:

Thank you bayucca for the ID. 05.13.2015