PLANT PROTECTION 1 – Pests, Diseases and Weeds

PLANT PROTECTION 1 – Pests, Diseases and Weeds
ORDER PHASMATODEA
Stick insects, leaf insects, phasmatids
NO. SPECIES
IN AUSTRLIA
SOME
DISTINCTIVE
FEATURES
LIFE CYCLE
There are over 150 species. Most species are relatively rare and of unusual
appearance to the extent that they can be purchased and are often kept as pets.
There is a ‘Friends of the Phasmid’ website which is the gate way to
information on the critically endangered stick insect (Dryococelus australis):
www.ento.csiro.au/education/insects/phasmatodea.html
www.friendsofthephasmid.org.au/ www.insectfarm.com.au
ADULT Body 1. Medium to very large insects.
2. Most are long and thin, 3–30 cm long, or flattened.
3. Most species resemble sticks, grasses, leaves, etc. Stick
and leaf insects are usually well camouflaged, blending
well with twigs and green or dead leaves when motionless.
4. Do not confuse members with praying mantids (Order
Mantodea, page 195).
NYMPH
Wings 1. Wings mostly absent. In winged species, there are
2 pairs, males have developed wings, females usually have
very small wings but are unable to fly.
2. Forewings are small and leathery (tegmina) to protect and
cover part of the large membraneous hind wings.
3. Hindwings are small relative to the size of the insect.
Leading edge of the hindwings is often hardened.
Legs
Forelegs are not modified for catching prey.
Usually resemble wingless adults. Occasionally 1 st stage nymphs may
be brightly coloured, mimicking ants.
There is a gradual metamorphosis - egg, nymph (several stages)and adult.
Stick
insect
Compare
with
Mantodea
Length of
life cycle
varies from
1-3 years
Phasmatid eggs may be eaten by ants and other insects, lizards and mice or
parasitized by tiny wasps. Adults and nymphs may be eaten by reptiles, birds
and other insects including praying mantids.
Insects and allied pests - Phasmatodea (stick insects) 193