We are going to cause a little bit of controversy with our last Wild Fact of the week.  Today we are exploring the world of the Stick Insect, but there are some questions about whether or not they use mimicry or just camouflage.  In my opinion, the branches they imitate are a living thing, therefore I am including the Stick Insect and their impressive talent in with all of the other examples of mimicry.  If you are keeping track at home, this will be the fifth different form of mimicry.  And if you are keeping track at home then you need to get out of the house more often :).

I am sure we have all had the pleasure of seeing a Stick Insect up close.  What?  You haven’t?  Well, maybe you did but you just thought it was a branch.  Let’s face it, these Stick Insects are pretty impressive at resembling twigs and branches of trees.  These insects, often referred to as Walking Sticks, have developed an amazing form of camouflage that allows it to survive in its treed environment.

Walking Sticks range in size from the twig size of 1.16 cm (0.5″)  to a giant branch measuring 55 cm (20″).  In fact, these giant Stick Insects are considered to be one of the longest insects on our planet.  I am still trying to figure out what insect is longer than this. Given the range in size it is obvious to see that some insects will mimic a tiny twig stump while others are a little more elaborate with spines coming off of their bodies.  Here is something impressive.  Did you know there are species of Stick Insects that have incredibly beautiful wings?  Talk about a surprise -You go to look at a branch and the thing flies away on you.

Whether this form of camouflage is really mimicry or just a really neat way to blend in with your surroundings.  I think it is pretty cool at how efficiently the Walking Stick is able to imitate branches and twigs.  I have always been a fan of these insects so I figured they would be a good one to end the week on.

I hope you enjoyed our theme this week.  Have a great weekend!