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Project Noah Nature School
Phasmatodea
The Phasmatodea are an order of insects, whose members are variously known as stick insects, walking sticks or stick-bugs, phasmids, ghost insects and leaf insects. The ordinal name is derived from the Ancient Greek φάσμα phasma, meaning an apparition or phantom, and refers to the resemblance of many species to sticks or leaves. Their natural camouflage can make them extremely difficult to spot.
Spotted on Aug 30, 2011
Submitted on Aug 30, 2011
3 Comments
Added to the NWF mission because of its innovative defenses - They escape predation by blending into plant material. As their name implies, they look just like sticks with legs, and even sway back and forth to more closely resemble a twig moving in the wind. When camouflage isn’t enough, some species have evolved the ability to release foul-smelling chemicals to deter predators, and others can secrete a liquid that temporarily blinds their foe. Others drop their legs when a predator attacks but can re-grow the appendages. Some species are winged and flash bright color patches under the wings to confuse predators.
Thanks Luc! Since I've discovered we have such a wide variety of critters in our yard I have been keeping a close look out for interesting bugs.
It is great! This is pretty long. You have good eyes it looks like a really small branch with the cover-up :)