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Stick Insects
Photo: Courtesy of Damon Ramsey
BSc.(Zool) Biologist Guide
Order Phasmidae
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This order contains some of the most amazing insects of all.
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As the common name suggests, these insects often grow to resemble stems,
sticks and leaves (above)
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The impersonation of vegetation doesn't stop there; the females often drop eggs
that look like little seeds.
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Because of their cryptic habits, adults are usually
only noticed when they are seen away from their natural habitat.
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Some of the tropical forms grow to enormous sizes.
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One of the most interesting and well-known insects in the Daintree region is in
this group - the 'Peppermint Stick Insect' or Megacrania batesii (below).
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This gorgeous animal is found only on Pandanus plants in coastal swampy forest.
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They can often be detected by the chewed leaves of the Pandanus plants in which
they feed, and the large amount of insect poo they leave.
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They are usually
slender animals that can be different shades of green, to almost blue.
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Their
common name derives from the fact that they squirt a scent of peppermint when disturbed,
but don't lean in too close to smell them, or they may squirt you in the eye.
Script and Photo: Courtesy of Damon Ramsey BSc.(Zool) Biologist Guide
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