Black Beauty Stick Insect Natural History
Size
The Black Beauty Stick Insect can grow up to 5.5cm long.
Habitat and Distribution
This is a nocturnal invertebrate which is native to South America and they can be found in grassland and forest habitats. The area in which they live in is a in a small region of northern Peru.
Diet
Black Beauty Stick Insects are herbivorous and feed on pepper tree leaves.
Groups and Breeding
Females lay their eggs in the soil with their ovipositor; there can be as many as 100 or more. The eggs are incubated in the soil for 2 to 5 months before they hatch.
Threats
The main threats to this species come from fires and the destruction of their habitat for livestock farming. However, their range overlaps in part with a national park and the export of live individuals is banned. The IUCN Red List classes this species as Critically Endangered.
Interesting Facts
The defense mechanism of Black Beauty Stick Insects is displaying their red hind wings before spraying a liquid which is harmless but can temporarily irritate the eyes.
The Black Beauty Stick Insects During Your Day Out in Kent
Our Black Beauty Stick Insects can be found in our Bug Garden along with many other species, including Giant Centipedes and several species of tarantula.