phasma

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Just in time for All Hallows’ Eve, Ijams naturalist Christie Collins found a walkingstick insect by the staff entrance at the nature center. 

The curiously linear creatures are in the insect order Phasmatoptera, from the Ancient Greek, φάσμα or phasma, meaning an apparition or phantom. 

Phasmids or stick bugs (or in some countries, ghost bugs) are remarkably accomplished at being practically invisible. But don’t be spooked, our local species is an herbivore that feeds primarily on oak leaves.

With cooler weather finally forecast for the valley, the adult insects will soon die, their lives are...ephemeral by nature. (Shameless book plug) Only a very few are able to overwinter as adults. 

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