Walking Sticks? (2)

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
Sicula North Port, FL(Zone 9b) Aug 01, 2010

I would like to add this picture to bug files but want to be sure they are walking sticks. She measured 4.5 inches and he was approx.
2 inches.

Thanks

Thumbnail by Sicula
Post #8012227
Quote
suunto Sinks Grove, WV Aug 02, 2010

These are indeed stick insects ('walking sticks'); order Phasmida - I can't be absolutely certain, but these look like Anisomorpha buprestoides, a species having numerous common names, including twostriped walkingstick, devil's riding horse, and musk mare. These insects can 'squirt' a corrosive/irritating defensive fluid quite some distance, so do not handle them. See http://tinyurl.com/yfj6h59 for detailed information.

Post #8012565
Quote
Sicula North Port, FL(Zone 9b) Aug 02, 2010

Yes, these are my little guys! I have several of them around. They are very sensitive to the Tempo I sprayed for a quick kill for a disturbed carpenter ant nest. days later I saw a couple of them on the other side of the yard with what appeared to be nervous systems that were affected and shortly thereafter they died. (I felt terrible)
Good to know about the irritant they squirt.

Thanks for your help!

Post #8013407
Quote
trackinsand mid central, FL(Zone 9a) Aug 02, 2010

the two-stripes seem to have come out early this year. i don't normally see them until fall but i've seen a couple in july this year.

my street smart rescue dog will literally jump away when we encounter one on our daily walk...no doubt she was squirted at one time in her life. these guys can squirt their toxic liquid right into an eye and seem to be quite expert at it from what i've read....be careful as it can cause temporary blindness.

Post #8013469
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Insect and Spider Identification Threads

Go to all Insect and Spider Identification threads
BACK TO TOP