This order's name, Phasmida comes from the Latin meaning "phantom" as most of the insects comprising this order micmic sticks or leaves for camouflage and protection.
Of the approximately 2,700 known species, most are found in the tropics. They have biting and chewing mouthparts and their sole diet consists of leaves. Their antennae are generally very thread-like with anywhere from 8 to over 100 segments and their bodies are often adorned with numerous spines for self defense against predators.
This family is characterized as having species with a five segmented foot, long tibiae, and a midsection four times longer than the front portion of their abdomen. Adults have short wings and two stout spines atop their head.
Most Walking Sticks's spend their one and a half to 2 year life span during daylight hours remaining perfectly still on a branch. When night comes they eat the leaves of the tree or bush. Many of the female stick insects are able to reproduce without males if males are in short supply or absent. This is called parthenogenesis. The ratio of female to male stick insects is estimated at 1,000 to 1.
Members of this family have a resemblance to living or dead leaves because of their green or brown coloration, extended leg segments, and flat expanded abdomens. When they are at rest, their veined forewings may cover their transparent hindwings to complete the disguise.