Stick, stick and... stick = the most unusual representative of the ghosts (6 photos + 1 video)

This something looks like a dried twig of a Decembrist flower. But in fact, the creature is alive, very unusual and fully justifies its belonging to the ghost squad - it looks mystical and brutal.





Extatosoma tiaratum – Macleay's stick insect – is endemic to Australia. Which is also natural, since this continent is the focus of all sorts of unique organisms.



Large, plump and neatly decorated with thorns, the length of the stick insect carcass can vary from 10 to 20 centimeters. And the resemblance to a leaf of this mysterious creature is also not only visual. The Australian stick insect skillfully imitates a dry leaf maneuvering in the wind. Looking at the realistic body movements, there won’t even be any doubts – it is a leaf.





And if there are curious people who decide to test this in practice, they will meet those very neat spines with which the insect’s body is studded. The main argument strongly recommending leaving the wondrous creature alone is heavy artillery in the form of a secret with a very unpleasant smell. But unless necessary, this insect does not attack or flash. Moreover, it is a herbivore. And there is enough of this goodness in Australia, and there is no need to waste time and effort searching for food.

Interesting facts about Macleay's stick insect



It seems that the unique features of this native end with the unusual shape of the body. But no: the living leaf knows how to surprise people:



Newborn nymph

Insects can curl up into a ball. But at a certain point, when laying eggs, females have to do this forcedly. Because future little stick insects, still in the form of eggs, are literally bombarding this world. The female has to curl up into an incredible squiggle, and then quickly unfold her abdomen, from where the egg flies out under pressure.

After eating eucalyptus leaves, the insect changes color to a brighter, juicier and more intense one. Here it is, the life-giving power of eucalyptus!

Reproduction is possible without the presence of males. Macleay stick insects practice parthenogenetic - same-sex reproduction. Females lay eggs without fertilization if there is a problem with males in the population. Their development takes twice as long, and only females are hatched.

To scare away predators, stick insects can make clicking sounds, spread bright wings (males can also fly), and in a stressful situation, the insect can drop its limbs and regrow them during the next molt.



What is noteworthy is that Australian stick insects are excellent for the role of pets - non-standard, silent, and not particularly demanding in terms of food. Care must be taken with the limbs (they break off easily) and provide warmth. However, everyone needs warmth - physical or mental, not just stick insects.