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Description:
Northern walking sticks are wingless insects with cylindrical, elongated bodies and small, square-shaped heads supporting long antennae. They can reach lengths of up to 3-3.5 inches. Males and females differ in many ways, including coloration. Males are brown; females are more green.
Latin Name
Diapheromera femorataClass
InsectsOrder
PhasmidaRange
The species has a broad geographic range across North America. They are found in 38 U.S. states, from the Atlantic coastline to New Mexico and as far north as Alberta, Canada.Status
CommonHabitat
Deciduous woods and forests. They may also be found in agricultural fields, urban gardens, and residential yards.
Niche
Northern walking sticks feed on the foliage of trees and shrubbery. Oak and hazelnut trees are preferred food sources.Life History
They are a solitary species, coming together to mate. Breeding occurs late August through October, peaking in September. Females drop eggs one at a time onto the forest floor; eggs overwinter until spring when they hatch. Once born, nymphs fend for themselves; no parental care is provided. They are mature by 80 days. During their development they molt five times.Special Adaptations
Their main defense against predators, such as crows and robin, is camouflage. They remain motionless with their legs close to their bodies, resembling a twig. They also have a remarkable ability to regenerate legs lost by attacks from predators.
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