Giant Walking Stick (Megaphasma denticrus)

This is the first adult walking stick I've seen this summer. All others have been smaller, green nymphs. Walking sticks eat vegetation. Some dine on specific species while others are generalists. A Giant Walking Stick like this one can often be found on grape vines, grasses and oaks. Females grow up to seven inches long (180mm), making them the longest North American insect. This male was only about four inches long (101mm). The "clasper" at the end of its abdomen is for holding onto a female during mating.

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Giant Walking Stick (Megaphasma denticrus)

Giant Walking Stick (Megaphasma denticrus)

Giant Walking Stick (Megaphasma denticrus)

Walking sticks are primarily tropical, but several species are found in the more temperate regions of North America. One usually sees males like one above because, as is the case with many insect, males are out and about searching for females. Giant Waling Sticks are the longest insects found in NA. Female can grow up to around 7" long and are less colorful and gracile (more blunt and bulky) than males. While this critter appears very conspicuous while crawling around on the porch, he can blend in well when among twigs and leaves.

Walking sticks are generally harmless plant eaters. The "pincers" at the end of his abdomen are actually claspers for holding onto a female during mating. An exception to the harmless generalization is the Two-striped Walkingstick (Anisomorpha buprestoides) which is found in the far southeastern U. S. (mostly Florida). Members of this genus can deliver a chemical spray to the eyes that can cause corneal damage.

Giant Walking Stick (Megaphasma denticrus)