Stick and leaf insects Info Sheet 1 Stick and leaf insects (also known as Phasmids) are nature’s masters of disguise. At least 6000 species occur worldwide, of which around 300 species have been reared in captivity. In the wild, stick and leaf insects are found on every continent except Antarctica, although most occur across tropical and sub-tropical latitudes. Generally, stick insects have narrow, cylindrical bodies, whereas leaf insects have thin, flat body shapes that closely resemble foliage. The diversity of both groups is astounding, and individual species vary greatly in shape, size and colour. All stick and leaf insects are herbivores. Most species are defenceless and rely on their (often remarkable) camouflage for protection from enemies. Some species of stick insects do have spines on their limbs and bodies, others can spray smelly liquids, or release toxic secretions, or flash brightly coloured wings to startle attackers. A few species have enlarged, spine- like spurs on their rear legs which they can use as defensive weapons against attackers.

Image 1: An adult female leaf insect, Phyllium westwoodi; Image 2: An adult female giant prickly stick insect, Extatosoma tiaratum; Image 3: The head of the Indian stick insect, Carausius morosus.

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STICK AND LEAF INSECTS INFO SHEET