Mae Rim, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Order : Phasmida
Family : Phasmatidae
Genus : Extatosoma
Species : Extatosoma tiaratum

This species is endemic in eastern Australia with an extralimital distribution as far as New Guinea. They are herbivores and their native food are the leaves of Eucalyptus sp. (Myrtaceae). They are a large insect that exhibits sexual dimorphism with the males growing to about 11cm in length and the females a massive 20cm in length. Males have long wings and are able to fly but the much bulkier female has only short wings and is flightless. They are fairly harmless but when they feel threatened they raise their abdomen in a 'scorpion-like' fashion to scare off predators.
I saw this amazing creature in Chiang Mai and had to photograph it even though it wasn't actually in the wild. Somehow I don't think it would look out of place in any sci-fi movie.

NOTE: This insect is captive bred and is not native to Thailand

Tags:   stick insect insecto palo Insekt halten phasme insetto stecco 竹节虫 ติดแมลง Палочка насекомого animal outdoor insects insect Phasmida macro nature Phasmatidae Extatosoma tiaratum Giant Prickly Stick Insect wildlife Chiang Mai live insects Thailand

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