Eye-irritant
Guides
Anisomorpha buprestoides
Southern Two-striped Walkingstick, Devil Rider, Musk Mare, Twostriped Walkingstick
Anisomorpha buprestoides is among the largest insects in the continental United States, with females reaching nearly 100 mm. This phasmid exhibits extreme sexual size dimorphism, with females substantially larger than males. The species is notable for its potent chemical defense spray containing anisomorphal and related compounds, which can cause severe eye irritation in humans. Three regionally distinct color morphs occur: brown, white, and orange forms, with the latter two restricted to specific areas of Florida.