Australian Walking Stick

Description:

Extatosoma tiaratum (common names Giant Prickly Stick Insect, Spiny Leaf insect, Macleay's Spectre, or Australian Walking Stick is a large species of stick insect endemic to Australia. Female adult E. tiaratum are covered with thorn-like spikes for defense and camouflage. Their long, rounded bodies grow to about 5 to 8 inches (20 cm) long. The females are further described as "heavy-bodied, brachypterous and (having) numerous spines and integumental expansions on the body and legs, including a tuft of spines on the conical occiput of the hypognathous head". As mentioned, the wings of the female are too small for flying, especially when she is gravid.

Habitat:

Dry bushland, Australia

Notes:

This photos are taken from homebread animals.