El Yunque National Forest

Photo by:  Aurea Moragón

Walking Stick (Eng.), Palito Viviente (Sp.), Lamponius portoricensis
Information compiled by Alan Mowbray, Interpretive Media Writer, EYNF/LEF

General Information:
Walking sticks belong to the family Phasmatidae which includes walking sticks and leaf insects. They are also known as Phasmids (stick insects). As the Greek word "Phasma" suggests, they are apparitions, masters of camouflage and disguise, blending in with the surrounding foliage. They are "folivores" subsisting on plant and tree leaves.

Description:
Similar to twigs in appearance, the walking stick is approximately 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 centimeters) in length. Walking sticks have 6 long legs (3 spaced far apart on each side of the elongated thorax) and can regenerate their limbs.

Habits:
Walking sticks are nocturnal, active at night and lying dormant on leaves, branches or in trees during the day, blending in so well that most predators are not aware that they are there. Females drop their eggs individually on the ground. When the seed-like eggs hatch the nymphs crawl back into the foliage. In addition to their foliage imitating defensive strategy, they may also emit a foul smelling substance from a gland in the thorax. They have also been observed gently swaying as if in a breeze. If the predator's attack is more direct, they are also capable of losing and regenerating leg appendages, or dropping to the ground and drawing their legs together to form a single elongated stick. Stick insects are capable of "parthenogenesis"; if no males are available to fertilize eggs, viable female offspring will be produced. Males are known to stay coupled with females for considerable duration to ensure their own genes are responsible for egg fertilization. Walking sticks are capable of color alteration, appearing lighter green during the day and switching to a darker shade during the active nighttime hours.

Habitat:
Walking sticks are found on plant and tree leaves and branches in lowland and upper montane areas.

Look for it in the EYNF:
On trees and plants in the Yokahu Tower and Palo Colorado recreation sites in the El Yunque National Forest.

Additional Information:
Torres, Juan A., 1994, Insects of the Luquillo Mountains, Puerto Rico; Forest Service USDA General Technical Bulletin SO-105

Mowbray, Alan M., 2002; El Yunque National Forest Palo Colorado Interpretive Guide, Forest Service USDA Forest Service

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