The walking stick is a common but often overlooked insect in the world of entomology because it is not a problem as a pest either to farmers or to ordinary people. These peaceful insects are strictly vegetarians feeding on berry, cherry and a variety of other leaves. There are over 3000 varieties of walking sticks identified world wide! Walking sticks are found primarily in the temperate and tropical regions. These creatures spend their days motionless hanging from leaves and branches waiting until dark to feed. This particular insect gets its name from its appearance, looking much like a twig or in some cases the leaves upon which it feeds.

The walking stick has the unusual ability of partial regeneration. If a leg is lost or damaged it will grow back after several successive molts. By molting, or shedding its skin, the walking stick is able to grow to an astounding size in just a few months. Once the skin is shed the walking stick eats its own molt. Walking sticks lay eggs which are dropped to the ground and remain there until they hatch. In the event there are no males in the area a walking stick can lay healthy eggs which hatch and result in females only. Walking sticks belong to the scientific order - Phasmida - Author: Dwight Zirschky