The giant spiny stick insect, also known as the Malayan jungle nymph, is one of the largest and heaviest stick insects in the world. You can find our collection in the Bugs at Home exhibit.
Originating from the tropical rainforests of Malaysia and surrounding regions of Southeast Asia, it is famous for its impressive camouflage, mimicking leaves to avoid predators. The females are bright green with a bulky body and spiky legs, while males are slimmer and brown, resembling twigs.
Interesting facts!
- This species has a fascinating defence strategy – when threatened, it raises its spiny legs in a scissor-like motion to deter predators. Females can also produce a rustling sound by rubbing their wings together.
- Their eggs are some of the largest of any insect species and can take over a year to hatch!
- When disturbed, they can release a defensive chemical with an unpleasant smell.
- Despite their fearsome spikes, they are harmless to humans and are popular in insect collections.
Conservation
Although the giant spiny stick insect has not been officially assessed by the IUCN, its rainforest habitat faces threats from deforestation. These insects play an important role in their ecosystem by contributing to plant growth through leaf consumption and decomposition.