The Southern Two-Striped Walking Stick

Anisomorpha buprestoides

          A male two-striped walking stick riding his female mate. Photo used courtesy of Crystal Ernst.

It has been called the Devil Rider, the Spitting Devil, the Devil’s Riding Horse, and the Devil’s Darning Needle among other intimidating nicknames. It can shoot an irritating and odiferous chemical spray with frightening accuracy from up to 30 to 40 centimeters away. It cannot even be stopped by the loss of a leg.

What is it, you ask? Why, it is none other than the southern two-striped walking stick, Anisomorpha buprestoides!

You have likely seen or heard of walking sticks. Commonly found around the United States, these insects are the masters of camouflage and often resemble twigs. But this particular walking stick, Anisomorpha buprestoides, is different. Highly intriguing, these insects have a distinct appearance and unique qualities that might surprise you. Don’t let the abundance of “Devil” nicknames and its venomous abilities scare you away—explore this website to learn about its habitat, anatomy, reproduction, interactions, and more!

Learn about other awesome organisms at MultipleOrganisms.net!

Classification