I went out to grill my fish a few nights ago and was greeted by a stick bug. I've seen him around before, if it's even the same one. Last year he would go from one place to another. One day he'd be on the light outside the back door, the next day he'd be on the thermometer, and the next day on the gas meter. I just think he's so cool looking!
I did some research and found a few interesting facts about them. So here are three that I think are totally cool:
1. They don't bite but they can put up a great fight when they are approached by a predator. And they can even win! They can inflict pain with their legs and they regurgitate an awful smelling and tasting substance into their predator's mouth.
2. They hold the world's record as the longest insect. The biggest one on record measured 14 inches, but with legs fully extended it measured 22 inches. That's quite an insect!
3. When all else fails, they play dead. Yep, they just drop and they can be super still. Many times their predator can't find them once they hit the ground.
I have never seen a Stick Bug. They sound interesting. I take it that they eat little bugs around the light.
ReplyDeleteWe have stick bugs, and some of them are very creepy looking. I have taken the pics, just haven't posted them yet. Yours is quite the specimen!
ReplyDeleteOh wow, that stick bug is amazing!
ReplyDeleteWe used to see these down in Branson while on vacation...very cool. But I don't think I'd want to see one that is 14" long!
ReplyDeleteSher, that was so cool to find out more facts about the stick bug:):) I don't think I have seen one in a long while.
ReplyDeleteGreat close-up photos!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos! I haven't seen one in many years since my son was a young boy. He read about them back then and went on the hunt to find one! Brings back memories! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how all these creatures have evolved to ensure survival of the species; nature's camouflage never fails to delight. :)
ReplyDeleteVery cool looking. We have a bug that I call a stick bug but it looks very different. Our tree branches look different here too, so maybe it's just different so it can hide better. They come back every year, I'll try to get a photo this year. Your photos are excellent. TFS
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool bug!
ReplyDeleteYou have to try Twitter, sher! I was just as scarded as you, but it is so easy! I like it even better than Facebook!
Okay, I have never saw a bug I liked or thought was cool...LOL but the facts are interesting
ReplyDeleteWe call them Walking Sticks and they are really interesting. Thanks for sharing those facts!
ReplyDeletewow, 14 inches. That one would kind of freak me out...lol It would be hard to spot if it dropped to the ground and plaid dead
ReplyDeleteI love stick bugs. I also really enjoyed reading those facts, I love learning new things about animals!
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool insect! We don't have them here (I think).
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