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Walkingstick
(John Obermeyer, Purdue University)
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Common Name: Walkingstick

Order: Dictyoptera

Family: Phasmatidae


Pest Status: Walkingsticks are not considered pests even though they eat plant leaves.

Appearance: Adults are wingless with brown, cylindrical bodies and long, tubular legs that resemble small twigs and stems. They have well-developed mandibles and compound eyes and have short, filiform antennae.

Life Cycle: The juveniles emerge from the eggs as miniature, wingless versions of the adults (nymphs) and mature by successive molts. Mimicry also extends to the eggs. Many species lay eggs that resemble plant seeds.

Where to Collect: Walkingsticks require leaves and woody growth of trees and shrubs for food and protection. They are very slow- moving insects that depend upon camouflage for protection. They can difficult to see but may be dislodged from leaves by beating branches while holding a beat sheet below.