Visitor

We noted what appears to be a Northern Walking Stick on the door of the Garage. We peered at it closely and took some pictures. Hopefully, we weren't too much of nuisance.

After we came inside, we headed to the National Audubon Society Field Guide to Insects & Spiders (1980). One of the decided perks of being in relationship with a Field Scientist is that we seem to have no shortage on Field Guides. The internet was also at our fingertips. So what did we learn:

• Males are 3" and Females 3.25".
• Males are brown; Females are greenish brown.
• They are wingless.
• Antennae are about 2/3 the length of the body.
• They are at home in deciduous woods an forests.
• They feed on folaige of deciduous treees and shrubs with an especial fondness for Oaks and Hazelnuts.
• Their resemblance to slender twigs camouflages them from Predators.
• Predators include: Common Grackle, White Footed Mouse, Blue Jay, Wild Turkey, American Robin.
• Walking Sticks stay very still in the Day. When attacked, they emit a foul smell.
• This slender Insect can regenerate a lost Leg.
• Mating occurs in the Fall.
• Eggs overwinter with hatch in the Spring.

~~~~http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/northern_walkingstick.htm [Fairfax County Schools (VA), Island Creek Elementary]