Giant-insects
Guides
Phasmatidae
stick insects, walking sticks
Phasmatidae is a family of stick insects characterized by extreme elongation of the body and limbs to resemble twigs or branches. Members range from small species to the largest insects known, with Phobaeticus chani reaching 567 mm total length. The family exhibits remarkable crypsis through body form, coloration, and behavior, including swaying movements that mimic branches in wind. Many species possess defensive chemical glands when camouflage fails. The family has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with six subfamilies recognized in Phasmatidae sensu stricto.