Life Cycle of a Stickbug

Species and Range

• It is estimated that there are approximately 3,000 species of stick insects in the world. Stick insects may be found in tropical forests and woodlands and exist on every continent except Antarctica.

Reproduction

• Females can produce fertile eggs without males, which is a form of reproduction called parthenogenesis. All eggs produced this way will hatch into females, while eggs produced as a result of mating with males can hatch female or male babies (or "nymphs").

Egg Laying

• Female stick insects will use two methods to lay eggs: dropping them on the ground in various locations or depositing them in a hidden place, such as under leaves or inside of plants. It may take three to 18 months for eggs to hatch, depending on the species.

Size and Life Span

• Stick insects mature at three to 12 months and can live from one to two years. They generally grow to a size of 1 to 13 inches, with males being typically smaller than females.

Food

• The primary diet of the nocturnal, strong-jawed stick insect is vegetation. Their own droppings, in turn, contain many nutrients and become food for other insects.

Protection from Predators

• Two other ways that stick insects are able to protect themselves are swaying when they walk to imitate the effect of wind on plants and shedding a leg to escape the grasp of a predator.