Stick insect (Phasmatodea), Buffalo National River, 2015.

Thousands of species of walking sticks exist worldwide but only about 30 species are found in North America. Walking sticks are an amazing example of nature's ability to camouflage. Usually these insects stay in trees where people are blissfully unaware of their existence. However, every once in a while you'll see them on a building or sidewalk where their camouflage doesn't work. Walking sticks feed on deciduous foliage and are beneficial to trees, encouraging new buds and leaves to grow. If their popoulations get out of hand they may actually defoliate entire trees.

camouflage walking stick stick insect insect phasmatodea insects stick bugs phasmids ghost insect leaf insect wild wildlife animal buffalo national river sticks trees species camouflage doesn t work north america nature s ability deciduous foliage national parks gallery arkansas

2015

National Parks Gallery

https://npgallery.nps.gov/

Public Domain Dedication