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Spiny leaf insect

Spiny leaf insect

Extatosoma tiaratum

A species of Extatosoma, Also known as Australian walking stick

The spiny leaf insect (Extatosoma tiaratum) is also known as the Australian walking stick due to its primary defensive ability to camouflage into a stick. When they realize they are caught, they can curl up and pose in a defensive posture that is similar to a scorpion. They do have the ability to puncture the skin and with weird dance if they are disturbed.

General Info About Spiny leaf insect
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Attributes of Spiny leaf insect
Habitat
non-eucalypt leave; captivity
Adult Food Sources
Eucalyptus leaves, rose leaves, oak leaves, raspberry leaves, bramble leaves
Larva Food Source
Eucalyptus leaves, rose leaves, oak leaves, raspberry leaves, bramble leaves
Biting/stinging
Not reported
Allergy-causing
Not reported
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Spiny leaf insect is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
Not reported
Predatory
The Spiny leaf insect typically preys on other arthropods and does not directly affect plants.
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Species Status of Spiny leaf insect
It is a large species of stick insect endemic to Australia. It is native to Queensland and New South Wales but has extralimital distribution as far away as New Guinea.
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Distribution Area of Spiny leaf insect
Queensland and New South Wales, extralimital distribution as far away as New Guinea
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Appearance of Spiny leaf insect
Female adult Extatosoma tiaratum are covered with thorn-like spikes. Their long, rounded bodies grow to about 13 - 20 cm long. The females are further described as "heavy-bodied, brachypterous and (having) numerous spines and integumental expansions on the face and legs, including a tuft of spines on the conical occiput of the hypognathous head". Exhibiting the sexual dimorphism of many similar insects (particularly other phasmids as well as mantises), males are small and thinner, growing only about 11 cm in length and have three ocelli. Males lack the thorny growths except for spikes around their faces. They have long wings.
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How to Identify Spiny leaf insect?

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Life Cycle of Spiny leaf insect
Egg The egg of spiny leaf insect resembles a seed, aiding camouflage. Laid in soil or plant matter, it enters diapause, delaying development to sync with seasons.
Nymph After hatching, the nymph of spiny leaf insect resembles a miniature adult but without fully developed wings or reproductive organs, molting several times to grow.
Adult The adult spiny leaf insect has fully formed wings, reproductive organs, and hardened exoskeleton. It is larger, actively mates, and displays dimorphism with significant color changes.
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Adult Size of Spiny leaf insect
13 - 20 cm
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Predators of Spiny leaf insect Larvae
Birds, rodents, reptiles, arthropods
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Scientific Classification of Spiny leaf insect
Tips for Finding Spiny leaf insect
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Youth Habitat of Spiny leaf insect
Forests and Woodlands, Tropical Rainforests
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Adult Habitat of Spiny leaf insect
Forests and Woodlands, Tropical Rainforests
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How Can You Attract Spiny leaf insect
For spiny leaf insect, fresh vegetation is the best trap food as they are herbivorous, preferring eucalyptus, bramble, or rose leaves in terms of diet.
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Habitat Preferences of Spiny leaf insect Through Different Life Stages
Eggs of spiny leaf insect are typically found in the soil or leaf litter beneath their host plants. Nymphs, resembling small adults but without wings, are found on or around the same host plants where they feed. As they grow through successive molts, they continue to inhabit the host plants, often mimicking twigs or leaves to avoid predation. Searching for nymphs or adults would involve inspecting the host plants, especially eucalyptus trees to which they are well-adapted, looking closely at the branches and leaves both during the day when they are less active and at night when they may be feeding.
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When is the Best Time to Observe Spiny leaf insect
The suitable time to find spiny leaf insect is at night when they are most active and visible while feeding.
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What is the Best Weather to Observe Spiny leaf insect
Spiny leaf insect prefers mild, humid conditions which are not too hot or too cold as they originated from tropical climates.
Are Spiny leaf insect harmful?
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