Giant prickly stick insect

Discover the giant prickly strick insect
in a vivarium in the Tête-à-tête room at the Insectarium.

The giant prickly stick insect is native to eastern Australia. Like many stick insects, it is a master of disguise, relying on camouflage to evade predators. By mimicking the shape and texture of a leaf, it blends seamlessly into its surroundings.

A defense arsenal

The adult male has well-developed wings and can fly away from danger.

The female cannot fly, but she can curl her abdomen upward, adopting an intimidating posture.

As a last resort, the stick insect uses its spiny legs as pincers.

The giant prickly stick insect can also secrete a caramel-scented substance from its mouthparts. While harmless to humans, this secretion may help deter predators.

Eggs that fool ants

The eggs of giant prickly stick insect resemble certain seeds that ants find irresistible. This tricks ants into carrying the eggs back to their nests. This clever adaptation helps protect and disperse the eggs.

When the young nymphs hatch, they curl their abdomens, and their coloration and movements give them the appearance of ants. This form of mimicry allows the newly hatched insects to leave the ant nest unnoticed.

Like some other stick insect species, the female giant prickly stick insect can reproduce through parthenogenesis. This mode of reproduction is characterized by the absence of fertilization by a male.