The Complete Field Guide to Stick and Leaf Insects of Australia

Book excerpt: Australia has a rich diversity of phasmids--otherwise known as stick and leaf insects. Most of them are endemic, few have been studied and new species continue to be found. Stick insects are, by far, Australia's longest insects--some of them reach up to 300 mm in body length and more than 500 mm including outstretched legs. Many stick insects are very colorful and some have quite elaborate, defensive behavior. Increasingly they are being kept as pets. This is the first book on Australian phasmids for nearly 200 years. It includes photographs and distribution maps for all species, notes on their ecology and biology as well as identification keys suitable for novices or professionals.