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Phobaeticus chani
Quite a huge stick insect found @ Telapa Buruk. There are 2 sticks insect here on the photo where 1 is larger than the other.
Phobaeticus chani is not known from Peninsular Malaysia, this one exists on Sabah (Borneo):
http://phasmida.speciesfile.org/Common/b...
As these photos were taken on Peninsular Malaysia, this must be Phobaeticus serratipes:
http://phasmida.speciesfile.org/Common/b...
That's the BEST thing I've seen all day. Great spotting! I agree with Argybee's sentiment - many phasmids pair up very early in their lives. I posted a species today from the United States that does this. Males feed and molt while clasping a female. It's quite the possessive strategy! :-)
ceherzog : hahaha, yes they were mating I guess. I was also surprised to see one as big as this one.
Sachin Zaveri & Argybee : Thank you !
@ ceherzog ... maybe not - some phasmids stay coupled for 70 or more days - might be a way of preventing other suitors having a chance
I think you interrupted something, Azri. They look to be mating...male being the small one. What a nice spotting though...I didn't know they came that big!
Thank you CindyBinghamKeiser and Leuba. And thank you Argybee for the ID, I appreciate it a lot !
Spotted on Apr 15, 2010
Submitted on Jan 24, 2012
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