Timemas and Stick and Leaf Insects: Phasmida

Physical characteristics: This species is long, slender, and shiny, with long antennae. Males measure 2.2 to 3.3 inches (55 to 84 millimeters) in length. The females are 2.8 to 4.0 inches (70 to 101 millimeters) long. The middle legs of the male are banded, and the appendages on the tip of their abdomen are distinctive and curved. Adult females are green, gray, or brown, and males are brownish with stripes.

Geographic range: The common American walkingstick is found in North America, from southern Canada, from Manitoba to Quebec, south to Arizona and Florida, and also in northern Mexico.

The common American walkingstick relies on its camouflage to hide among vegetation. (©Gary Meszaros/Photo Researchers, Inc. Reproduced by permission.)

Habitat: This species is found in woodlands populated with broadleaf trees.

Diet: The adults prefer eating oak leaves, while the larvae will also feed on various plants and shrubs under the oaks.

Behavior and reproduction: The common American walkingstick relies on its camouflage to hide among vegetation. Eggs are dropped to the ground in fall and hatch in spring.

Common American walkingsticks and people: This species is sometimes regarded as a pest when large numbers eat most of the leaves on a tree.

Conservation status: This species is not endangered or threatened. ∎