| Summary: | Order: Phasmatodea (sometimes called Phasmida or Phasmatoptera). Distribution: Found on every continent except Antarctica. Most diverse in Asia and South America. Generally found in tropic zones, not common in temperate zones. Defense mechanism: Stick insects use camouflage, specifically plant mimicry, to blend in with their surroundings. They imitate sticks or leaves, even swaying back and forth to simulate blowing in the wind. Others perform thanatosis, or faking death. They can stay motionless for hours to avoid the attention of predators. Nocturnal. Diet: Herbivores. Stick insects feed on the leaves of trees and shrubs. University of Iowa, Department of Entomology, Bug Guide, http://bugguide.net/node/view/74 /// National Geographics, http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/bugs/stick-insect/# ///
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