Stick Insects in New Jersey?
I recently went for a hike at the Lusscroft Farm trail in Sussex New Jersey. As I was ambling down the path, I stumbled upon this stick bug. I have seen stick insects many times, but I always thought they were limited to tropical habitats. Apparently they have evolved in the temperate regions of Earth as well.
This is not the first time I have found a species I thought was tropical living in and around New York. I spotted Parrots nesting in Brooklyn back in March.
Check out the cool “pincher” on the back of it. Defense, mating, or for grasping while climbing?
I was so excited to have found a stick bug that I forgot to switch my camera into macro mode, so the video is a little out-of-focus.
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Did you find out what species this stick bug is? i was searching on line to identify the one I just found on my back deck in Hudson Valley New York, and I found your site. This is the exact insect I found, but it was missing a front leg. I think my dog might have been playing with it. I was also surprised to see it in the fall in such a cold climate. What did you find out?
Sandi,
It seems to be a Northern Walkingstick (Diapheromera fermorata). http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/northern_walkingstick.htm
The “clasping rings” appear to indicate it is a male.