Phasmida Species Catalog

Phasmida is an insect order containing what is commonly referred to as stick insects or walking sticks. The order also includes the leaf mimicking insect family: Phylliidae. There are just over 3400 described species of stick insects, distributed in an estimated SI I genera, predominantly inhabiting tropical and subtropical regions of the world. This book provides entomologists, researchers, taxonomists, educators, and enthusiasts a complete and up-to-date global species checklist of extant phasmids-complete with their geographical distribution.

Australia has a rich diversity of phasmids – otherwise known as stick and leaf insects. Most of them are endemic, few have been studied and new species continue to be found. Stick insects are, by far, Australia’s longest insects – some of them reach up to 300 mm in body length, or more than half a metre if you include their outstretched legs. Many stick insects are very colourful, and some have quite elaborate, defensive behaviour. Increasingly they are being kept as pets. This is the first book on Australian phasmids for nearly 200 years and covers all known stick and leaf insects. It includes photographs of all species, notes on their ecology and biology as well as identification keys suitable for novices or professionals.

Insect collectors, breeders, photographers, and other nature hobbyists will find this book useful when searching for the walkingsticks of North America. The masterful camouflage of stick insects intrigues anyone who is fortunate to find and recognize one in the field. This guide provides data on known regions of inhabitation, host plant preferences, and characters to distinguish the various species. Also included are reprints of classic entomological studies on our native stick insects: systematics, natural history, and behavior.