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Eurycnema goliath, commonly known as the goliath stick insect, or the regal stick insect, [4] is a large species of stick insect in the family Phasmatidae, endemic to Australia [2] and considered one of the largest species of stick insects in the country. [5] The species has the Phasmid Study Group number PSG14. [6]
Eurycnema versirubra, the red-winged green giant stick insect/Timor Giant Stick Insect, is a species of stick insect [1] from Timor, Solor and Wetar, [2] The original habitat of Eurycnema versirubra might be Timor and / or closeby islands.
The Phasmatidae are a family of the stick insects (order Phasmatodea). They belong to the superfamily Anareolatae of suborder Verophasmatodea. [1] Like many of their relatives, the Phasmatidae are capable of regenerating limbs and commonly reproduce by parthenogenesis. Despite their bizarre, even threatening appearance, they are harmless to humans.
The heaviest of this widespread, varied complex of insects is the Little Barrier Island giant weta, Deinacrida heteracantha, of New Zealand; one specimen weighed 71 g (2.5 oz) and measured nearly 10 cm (3.9 in), [2] giving it one of the largest insect weights ever known. These heavyweight insects can be over 9 cm (3.5 in) long.
It is used in laboratories, kept for projects in schools (as is Carausius morosus [2]), and is a popular pet among breeders of exotic insects in North America and Europe. One breeder advises specifically "For a stick insect with body length 127mm, to keep 2 adult females, you need a cage at least 600mm high, 300mm deep and 300mm wide." [3]
It is the largest insect in North America, growing up to 7 inches in length. [6] [7] [8] Giant walkingsticks exhibit sexual dimorphism, with females generally being significantly larger than males. [9] Giant walkingsticks have spines on their middle and hind legs; males have only a single, larger spine on each hind leg.
Exhibiting the sexual dimorphism of many similar insects (particularly other phasmids as well as mantises), males are small and thinner, less than 9-10 cm long while females are typically 14 cm in length. The male has enlarged hind leg femurs with a curved spine or thorn on the underneath side, large enough to be used as a fish hook in New Guinea.
The eggs of the stick insect are spheric, ca. 5 mm in length and have a three-lobed micropylar plate. [6] The chorion of the eggs are hard to cut and consist of the three layers mineralized with calcium carbonate and calcium oxalate .