Incredibly well camouflaged phasmids sometimes called stick insects, stick bugs or walking sticks are very difficult to find. Though not-uncommon I'd lived in Japan for 16 years before I spotted my first one, even though as a photographer particularly interested in macrophotography I spend a good portion of my time looking closely at plants and things.
Another shot showing just how small this young phasmid is:
Eventually, it will be about 10-12cm long and their colour changes as well so to better blend in to the surrounding foliage. This young newly hatched phasmid is green, just as a new branch or leaf would be; older individuals will be brown or grey to better match similarly sized sticks.
You need to be very careful when handling them as one of their defense mechanisms is easily detachable legs! Not great for the insect but better than being eaten I suppose!
Leave a question or comment if you like!
That is an incredible looking insect for sure. It boggles my mind that sheer versatile illness and diversity in the bug kingdom and animal kingdom for that matter. Wild stuff
Thanks! There are some really exotic looking ones but the ones we have here just look like sticks. :)
I agree and while some of them are quite squishy and scary looking they are fascinating❤️👍