Common name : Stick insect
Scientific name : Clitarchus hookeri
Family : Phasmatidae
Native to : New Zealand
Interesting fact : Amongst the various stick insects,
this specific species is the most commonly found
species in New Zealand.
Ranging from 80-106 mm, the females in this species are larger than the males. They are usually nocturnal in nature and feed on vegetation and foliage, specifically plants like the manuka and pohutukawa. If they are disturbed or threatened these insects fall to the ground and play dead for hours. They also perform a peculiar dance where they sway back and forth. The function or purpose of this dance is not known.
