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scientific name

exatosoma tiaratum

size/weight/height

Length: males 3 - 4"; females 4 - 5"

adaptations/coloration

Males: large color variation; thin elongated bodies; long antenna; fully formed wings capable of flight
Females: light gray to chocolate brown; spiny fat bodies; non-functional vestigial wings that appear as plates on thorax

behavior

Shedding: may eat molted exoskeleton after shedding

reproduction/lifespan

Lifespan: 10 - 12 months
Reproduction: able to reproduce at ~4 months
Nymphs: newly hatched black with red heads

diet

Wild: eucalyptus leaves
Zoo: blackberry, ficus, pyorcantha, oak, rose

habitat/range

Australia

oregon exhibit

Insect zoo

FAQ

How many eggs can one female lay?
Each female can lay 100 - 200 eggs. They are laid individually over a period of several months.

Can they change colors?
They can't change colors like chameleons,but they are born with different colors and do get darker with age.

Why are there skinny and fat walking sticks?
The thin ones are males who have wings and can fly. The males use their wings to fly from tree to tree looking for mates. The females have thick abdomens because they re full of eggs.

Are praying mantis and walking sticks related?
Both are insects, but other than that they are not closely related. They are grouped[e in different orders. Mantids are carnivores and walking sticks are herbivores.

Do walking sticks curl their tails to look like scorpions?
No. Walking sticks live in trees and scorpions live on the ground, so mimicking one wouldn't do the walking stick much good. It is more likely trying to resemble a curled up dead leaf.

Where can you get walking sticks?
Because they are considered potential pests, you must obtain a permit to have these animals. However, some types are sometimes sold in pet stores and teachers frequently have them in their classrooms.