Camouflage Quiz: Stick Insects Masters of Disguise

Stick insects have long and narrow ______, with poor eyesight.

Stick insects look like sticks or ______, and their appearance keeps them safe from enemies.

Stick insects protect themselves by being most active at ______.

Stick insects have ______ legs but their legs are unusual.

Many kinds of stick insects live in ______ trees.

Stick insects can do great harm to eucalyptus forests when they are seen in large ______.

A stick insect takes about 2 - 3 months to grow up and then can live for up to one ______.

Physical Characteristics and Defenses

Stick insects have long and narrow bodies, with poor eyesight.
They have a camouflage appearance that resembles sticks or leaves, protecting them from enemies.
When threatened, they drop to the forest floor, blending in with fallen sticks and leaves.

Unique Behaviors

Some stick insects suddenly display brightly colored wings to deter predators.
Others can even spit poison at their enemies.

Adaptations

Stick insects are most active at night, making it harder for predators to spot them.
Each of their six legs can move independently, allowing for unique locomotion.

Research and Robotics

Researchers have studied the way stick insects walk to develop walking robots.

Habitat and Diet

Stick insects eat plants, and many species live in eucalyptus trees.
They can be found in gardens and sometimes infest eucalyptus forests in large numbers, causing harm.

As Pets

Stick insects make interesting and harmless pets for home and classroom.
They require little space and care, and can be educational, teaching about insect life stages.
A stick insect takes about 2-3 months to mature and can live up to one year.

Test your knowledge about stick insects, fascinating creatures found all around the world. Learn about their unique appearance, behavior, and defense mechanisms.