Species Fact Profile: Australian Walking Stick

Australian Walking Stick (Giant Prickly Stick Insect, Macleay's Spectre)

Extatosoma tiaratum (Macleay, 1826)

Range: New Guinea, Eastern Australia
Habitat: Rainforest, Grassland
Diet: Eucalyptus, Other Leaves
Reproduction: Capable of reproducting either sexually or asexually, depending on whether males are present.  If the eggs are produced sexually, they will hatch in four months.  If they are not, they will hatch in nine months.  Female flicks her eggs with her tail, throwing them into the leaf litter.  If reproduction is asexual, only females will be produced
Lifespan: 6-8 Months (Males), 18 Months (Females)
Conservation Status: IUCN Least Concern

• Females are up to 20 centimeters long, 25 grams, much more heavy-bodied than the males, which are about half that length.  Tail curls over the back
• Individual coloration varies from brown to green, cream-colored, yellow, or white
• Females are covered with large thorn-like spines for defense and camouflage, which are much reduced or absent from males.  Males have well-developed wings and can fly, while the wings are females are vestigial and they cannot fly
• Incapable of biting or stinging, rely on camouflage for protection (actively sway while walking to better resemble a leaf int he wind).  If threatened, they may mimic a scorpion in posture and secrete a smell (resembles toffee)
• Eggs may be carried off by ants, which may feed on the lipid coating of the eggs, leaving them unharmed.  The newly hatched nymphs resemble ants themselves, possibly protecting themselves through mimicry
• Very popular in the pet trade and among hobbyists due to its impressive size, striking appearance, harmless nature, and relative ease in propagation