Giant Stick Insect

Eurycantha calcarata

The Giant Stick Insect can be found in the rainforests of New Guinea, New Caledonia and the Solomon Islands.

Estatuto de conservação

www.iucnredlist.org

  • Não avaliado
  • Dados insuficientes
  • LC
    Pouco preocupante
  • NT
    Quase ameaçado
  • VU
    Vulnerável
  • EN
    Em perigo
  • CR
    Criticamente em perigo
  • EW
    Extinto na natureza
  • EX
    Extinto

Ajude-nos a proteger esta espécie!

Quero Apadrinhar

    Após preencher o formulário será contactado pela nossa equipa de modo a finalizar o processo de Apadrinhar uma espécie do Zoo.

    Length
    15 cm
    Lifespan
    1.5 years
    Diet
    Leaves
    Habitat
    Forests
    Morphology

    Giant Stick Insect is a species that belongs to the Walkingstick family, with a long and slender body similar to its relatives. It has spines along its body, 6 legs and its color can vary from green to brown. Its body shape allows it to camouflage among dry leaves and branches. Females are generally larger than males and have an egg-depositing organ (ovipositor) at the end of the abdomen that differentiates them from males.

    Behaviour

    During the day this insect remains hidden, motionless, in the trees or in the leaves of the dead blanket. During the night it is more active, and it is during this period when it feeds. It has strong jaws, which allow it to cut vegetation and chew on plants. They usually live in communities and use camouflage and thanatosis (the act of feigning death) as an anti-predator strategy.

    Reproduction

    In this species, males actively compete for females. After copulation, the female uses the ovipositor (egg-depositing organ) to lay the eggs on the ground. Metamorphosis is incomplete, and the nymphs hatch after about 4 months, measure about 3cm and take 4 to 6 months to reach maturity.

    Outros animais

    Ver todos