Giant Walkingstick
It is possible to find this species in trees or shrubs, in woods and forests, in the southern United States. They prefer humid environments, as the dry climate is unfavorable to the hatching and survival of their eggs.
- Length 11 cm
- Lifespan 1 year
- Diet Leaves
- Habitat Trees or shrubs
- Reproduction up to 150 eggs
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Morphology
The Giant Walkingstick is an excellent example of the evolution of mimicry - the presence of characteristics identical to another organism, which gives the imitating organism some advantage. It has a stick-like body and, by attaching itself to the branches of trees or bushes, goes completely unnoticed. It can be green or brown.
Behaviour
During the day it rests clinging to branches, going unnoticed. Being a nocturnal animal, it spends much of the night feeding on leaves, except for its ribs. Unlike some stick insects, this species does not fly.
Reproduction
This is an oviparous species that can lay up to 150 eggs randomly on the forest floor or branches. After the eggs hatch, five nymphs molt before reaching adulthood.
