Gallery 3 - Earth Bound   >   Down to Earth   >   Critters  >   Walking Stick

These strange insects resemble sticks to avoid predators. This walking stick is about three inches long and resembles the plant life in the grasslands in Arizona where it lives. They escape detection by mimicking the colour and texture of their environment. They are also the largest insects on Earth. Some species grow up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) in length!