The largest insect: giant stick

The stick, the largest insect, belongs to the order Phasmatodea. In this detachment, besides the sticks, there are more than 2500 thousand species. 300 of them were withdrawn in captivity. The name of this detachment comes from the Latin word Phasma, which in translation means "cast", "ghost".

The record holder for the length is Chiang's megapolator. It is not only the longest insect in the detachment of ghosts, but also the largest insect in the world. The length of his body along with elongated limbs is more than 56 cm! This giant weighs 67 grams. It was discovered relatively recently, in 1989 on the island of Kalimantan. The find was made by local residents, and Chang Chun Lun, an amateur naturalist, took up the study of the phenomenon. The largest insect in the world has its name in honor of this man. Professional studies of this natural phenomenon began only in 2008, when the megalomaniac was transferred to the London Museum of Natural History. Philippe Bragg made his detailed description as a new species.

In the jungles of Malaysia, only 3 individuals of the megaloccer were found, so it was not possible to study the life of this insect in detail.

Pristvedvidnye generally differ in large sizes. The second largest insect also belongs to this detachment. This is Phobaeticus serratipes. He is only 2.9 cm smaller than the megaloamer. The length of his body is 33 cm, and with elongated limbs - almost 54 cm.

The peculiarity of this detachment of insects is that they disguise themselves under the habitat. Mimicry is their way of survival. Because of this, they easily pretend to be part of a bush or tree. Their appearance is a natural camouflage that makes them invisible in a natural environment.

The shape and appearance of these insects directly depends on where they live. The creatures that inhabit the leaves are leaf-shaped. Some of them can change their color, adjusting to the place where they are.

These giants are unpretentious in food, easily get used to one habitat, so they are ideal for breeding at home. Some exotic lovers keep them in house vivariums. 300 species were deduced in this way.

The largest insect in the world, grown at home, is an Indian stick. He has enough small vivarium and food from blackberries, cows, salad and ivy. In such conditions, the insect is perfectly well and is ready to delight its owner on a daily basis.

Basically, these giants are females that reproduce without a partner. See how the largest insect in the world look (there are plenty of photos) on the Internet.

An interesting feature is that these insects molt. With active growth, they require regular replacement of the shell, as it gradually becomes small. After moulting, they eat the discarded skin. The female can lay eggs only after 6 molts, when it reaches the size of an adult.

These are amazing creatures of nature, which simultaneously surprise, frighten and fascinate. In them lies a specific beauty. They are difficult to study in the natural environment, and getting accustomed to the house, become no less interesting pets than cats and dogs, while demanding much less care.