This morning as David was doing turbo farm chores in order to get to a construction trade show/convention on time, he had to pause, run inside, and grab the camera. Why you might ask? Well, because this guy was guarding the feed shed door, the Sonoran Desert Walking Stick, order Phasmatodea, Family: Phasmatidae, appropriate no?
King of Camouflage and survivalist extraordinaire, this guy has survived umpteen million years (can you tell I couldn’t find out exactly how long they’ve been around?) by mimicking their host plant and even copying its movements when the wind blows or birds land to avoid attention at all costs. I think its pretty darned neat.
If by chance, the walking stick is captured, he goes rigid like the wood he resembles, usually causing its captor to drop it, thinking that it has found nothing of value. And if the predator persists in his lets-do-lunch attempts, the walking stick releases noxious chemicals and regurgitates foul liquids to make himself downright distasteful. It usually works but if not, the experience will likely teach the bird or other captor to cease and desist from seeking out walking sticks in the future.
Walking Sticks can reach 12” in length; our friend here was about 6” but impressive nonetheless. More impressive is their sexual prowess. Coupling lasts a long time, from 3 to 136 hours and, in one species, up to three weeks. Ladies, I wouldn’t necessarily use this fact to coerce your significant other to spend a little more “time” with you but if you are feeling manipulative in that direction, who am I to stop you?
We felt honored that Sir Walking of Stick decided to show himself to us this morning. Successful in his life lengthening and reproducing adaptations, he is another wonder of nature here in our little chunk of the Sonoran Desert and beyond. Isn’t life amazing?
You are better than Discovery, National Geographic, Family, Animal Planet and HGTV channels all rolled into one!
Thank you for educating me and broadening my understanding in so many areas - I mean it.
Posted by: Margery | October 19, 2007 at 06:27 PM
We had walking sticks back in Michigan, although they were generally green (figures). Very interesting lesson on them --- sure am glad I'm not a female walking stick!!
Posted by: Karalyn | October 21, 2007 at 08:43 AM
I've seen little walking sticks, but had no idea how big they can get! Very neat photo, BTW. Kudos to Hunky Husband!
Posted by: Michelle | October 21, 2007 at 07:22 PM