Every fall, as the temperatures start to cool, I notice an intriguing guest on my deck here near the Ouachita National Forest in Arkansas—Walking Stick Insects. These fascinating creatures, with their twig-like appearance, seem to blend effortlessly into their surroundings, whether they’re hanging on my screen windows, walking across my deck, or clinging to the side of my house. I’ve seen quite a few lately, and while I typically leave them alone, there are times I have to gently move them to avoid stepping on them.
Curious About Those “Seeds”
One thing I recently learned is that walking stick eggs resemble tiny seeds scattered across the forest floor. This piqued my curiosity because I’ve been sweeping away small, seed-like objects from my deck. Now I’m wondering—could these actually be walking stick eggs?
Walking stick females drop their eggs one by one, letting them blend into the leaf litter, where they’ll stay through the winter until they hatch in the spring. So, it’s possible that those tiny “seeds” I’ve been clearing are actually the beginnings of next year’s walking stick generation!
Physical Characteristics of Walking Stick Insects
Arkansas is home to a few different species of walking sticks, and they’re masters of disguise! These insects are perfectly camouflaged to look like small twigs or branches, making them hard to spot unless you’re paying close attention.
- Northern Walking Stick (Diapheromera femorata): Males grow up to 3 inches long, and females can reach about 3.75 inches.
- Giant Walking Stick (Megaphasma denticrus): The largest insect in North America, with females growing up to a whopping 7 inches in length!
If you’re patient, you can observe their long, slender bodies swaying gently in the breeze, a behavior they use to mimic the movement of tree branches. It’s an impressive survival technique.
Habitat and Behavior
Walking stick insects love deciduous forests, and here in the Ouachitas, they seem to favor oak trees. They’re mostly nocturnal, feeding at night and resting during the day. In fact, some of the ones I’ve seen on my deck have probably been hiding out during the daytime hours, waiting for nightfall to snack on nearby tree leaves.
One of the coolest things about these insects is their defense mechanisms. If they feel threatened, they’ll sometimes drop to the ground, fold up their legs, and lie perfectly still, resembling a dead twig. In some cases, they can even detach a leg to escape a predator and later regenerate it!
Destructive Yet Intriguing
Despite their fascinating traits, walking sticks can be quite destructive to trees, especially when their populations spike. They feed on leaves, particularly those of oak, hazelnut, and black cherry trees. In some years, their feeding habits have contributed to significant defoliation, including in parts of the Ozarks. I’ve noticed their presence here seems to increase in the fall, which makes sense since adults are most commonly spotted in late summer and early fall.
An Unexpected Photo Opportunity
As a photographer, I’m always on the lookout for interesting wildlife shots, and I recently captured an image of a walking stick insect on my deck. Upon closer inspection, I realized there was a tiny inchworm crawling right in front of the walking stick! It was a fun little bonus to an already unique subject.
Walking Sticks in Arkansas: A Symbol of Nature’s Balance
These insects, though sometimes harmful to trees, play a vital role in the ecosystem, and their presence can actually indicate a healthy forest environment. They’re also a reminder of how beautifully adapted wildlife can be to their surroundings.
So, while I’ll keep sweeping my deck of those seed-like eggs, I won’t be in too much of a hurry to rid my home of these fascinating creatures. They’re part of the natural rhythm here in the Ouachitas, and each fall, they add a little more wonder to my time spent outdoors.
Fascinating Facts About Walking Sticks:
- They can sway in the breeze to mimic branches.
- Some can emit a foul odor to deter predators.
- They can lose a leg to escape danger—and grow it back!
Have you encountered walking stick insects in your own backyard? Let me know your experiences in the comments!