Tigger (finally) lost the first of his twenty baby teeth!

Phasmatodea is the order of insects that are known as stick bugs or walking sticks.  The name Phasmatodea, derived from the Greek “phasm” meaning phantom, refers to the cryptic appearance and behavior of these insects.

I can narrow down this little guy to:

Kingdom Animalia (Animals)

Phylum Arthropoda (Arthropods)

Class Insecta (Insects)

Order Phasmida/Phasmatodea (Walking Sticks)

Fact File:

(From North Carolina State University – Dept. of Entomology)

• Phasmid eggs often resemble seeds.   The eggs may remain dormant for over a year before hatching.
• In some parts of the tropics, stick insects may be so abundant that eggs falling out of the trees may sound like rain on a tin roof.
• Some walkingsticks are sold as pets.   They are easy to rear if kept in a warm environment with fresh foliage from their host plant.
• Glands located on the thorax of many species can produce a foul-smelling liquid that repels predators.
• When attacked by a predator, the legs of some phasmids may separate from the body (autotomy).   Some species can even regenerate lost legs at the next molt.   These are the only insects able to regenerate body parts.
• Several species produce offspring from unfertilized eggs (parthenogenesis).   Males may be uncommon or unknown.
• Some phasmids change color with changes in temperature, humidity, or light intensity.   Pigment granules in the epidermis disperse at night or on cool days, darkening the cuticle and absorbing more heat.

And now you know…

What’s under your dining room chair?

Orientation night at Science Etc.