Is This a Stick Bug?
Posted by Chris Merton on September 10, 2007
Q: Found him/her this morning and don't know what it is? Are they common?
Thanks!
Habitat: suburban/yard
State: New Jersey
Habitat: suburban/yard
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A: It sure is - a stick bug or walkingstick! Looks to me to be the Northern Walkingstick (Diapheromera femorata). This is a reasonably common insect found from southeastern Canada through the southern U.S. all the way out to Arizona. Apparently, these insects have population fluctuations in which they may become especially numerous in hardwood and mixed forests. I'd have to admit that I've never seen many of these animals before however. Walkingsticks are herbivores (eat only plants) and are harmless. Certainly an interesting animal to encounter and it's easy to see how well camouflaged they are when they're in trees and bushes.
Thanks for asking.
John Wiessinger ( September 10, 2007)