Walkingsticks (Stick Insects) Missouri Department of Conservation

Walkingsticks, or stick insects, genuinely look like walking sticks: They are perfectly camouflaged to look like brown, tan, gray, or green twigs. The legs, body, and antennae are long and slender. The legs are all roughly the same length. All Missouri walkingsticks are wingless. Two species are most common in our state: The northern walkingstick (Diapheromera femorata) is very slender, and the antennae are two-thirds the total body length. Males are brown and can be 3 inches long; females are greenish brown and can be 3¾ inches long. The pincerlike circi at the tip of the abdomen are not segmented. Immatures are green. The giant walkingstick (Megaphasma denticrus) is the largest insect in North America, with females up to 7 inches long. The middle and hind legs have spines. Males have a single, large spine on each hind leg.

Mantids (Mantises) Missouri Department of Conservation

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Walkingsticks (Stick Insects) Missouri Department of Conservation

North American walkingstick, insect

Northern Walkingstick Missouri Department of Conservation

Northern Walkingstick

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Buzz Bit: Common Walkingstick, One of the greatest masters of camouflage in our preserves is the common walkingstick and these tricky insects are sure to make you take a second look.

Maryland Biodiversity Project - Northern Walkingstick (Diapheromera femorata)

Northern Walkingstick