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Tropical North Queensland, Australia.
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Stick Insects


Photo: Courtesy of Damon Ramsey
BSc.(Zool) Biologist Guide


Order Phasmidae

  • This order contains some of the most amazing insects of all.

  • As the common name suggests, these insects often grow to resemble stems, sticks and leaves (above)

  • The impersonation of vegetation doesn't stop there; the females often drop eggs that look like little seeds.

  • Because of their cryptic habits, adults are usually only noticed when they are seen away from their natural habitat.

  • Some of the tropical forms grow to enormous sizes.

 

  • 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).

  • This gorgeous animal is found only on Pandanus plants in coastal swampy forest.

  • 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.

  • They are usually slender animals that can be different shades of green, to almost blue.

  • 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

 

 

 


Chambers Wildlife Rainforest Lodges
Lake Eacham, Atherton Tablelands
Tropical North Queensland, Australia.
PH & Fax: 07 4095 3754 International: 61 7 4095 3754

http://www.rainforest-australia.com/accommodation


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