What is a Stick insect

Stick insect

  

These thin insects are named for what they look like—a stick. But a stick insect doesn’t just look like a twig, it acts like one, too!

During the daytime a stick insect usually stays perfectly still. But if it does need to move, it sways as it walks so it looks like a twig being moved by the wind.

Stick insects feed at night. When they eat leaves, it triggers the plant to create more. In this way, stick insects work like gardeners of the forest, helping to keep trees, bushes, and vines healthy!

Because they eat so much, stick insects can cause problems in places where they are not from. Many people like keeping these strange-looking and quiet creatures as pets. But if the stick insect escapes or is let loose, it can quickly become a pest by devouring plants that don't regrow quickly. If you or someone you know has a pet stick insect, be extra careful to be responsible and keep it at home.

Area:  

All continents except Antarctica

Habitat:

  Tropical forests and woodlands

Food:

  Leaves

Size:  

Body is 1 to 22 inches long, depending on the species

Babies:  

Nymphs must get their own food after they hatch.

(source:google/http://adminkids.sandiegozoo.org/)