There are over 2,500 species of stick insect in the World. They have a worldwide distribution, but most species are found in the tropics. The stick insect can sometimes reach over 13 inches (33 cm) long.Be They rely on a hard outer body for rigidity. To allow for rapid growth, they shed their outer skin several times. After shedding a skin, they will hang from a twig to harden their new outer layer. During this period they are weaker – try not to disturb them.These creatures breathe through a series of holes called spiracles which are located along the side of the body.
Stick insects are very good at hiding. At night they can become slightly darker to make them harder to spot . This is their way of trying to look like a stick swinging in the breeze.Also, the swaying movements may help the insects see objects against the background. Rocking movements by these sedentary (sitting) insects may replace flying or running as way to define objects in the visual field.
Stick Insect Eggs are round and brown with a yellow nodule. They look like tiny seeds. One female can lay several hundred eggs during an average life of around a year.
Inconveniently for anyone keeping stick insects as pets, stick insect droppings or waste can easily be mistaken for eggs and vice versa.
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