Aug 13, 2024
#2436 - Acanthoxyla inermis - Prickly Stick Insect
AKA Acanthoxyla prasina.
A less common stick insect native to New Zealand, but introduced to parts of the UK, and to the south-west of the Republic of Ireland. The species is parthenogenic - only a single male has ever been found, in Cornwall in 2016.
Stick insects get a few mentions in Maori legend. All insects are respected children of Tane. If a stick insect (or mantis) landed on a woman it was said to be a sign she was pregnant. If a stick insect is present the location was unsuitable for a garden. If a stick insect landed on someone it was a sign they had entered a sacred place.
She seems to have a few parasitic mites attached as well.
Mangorei, Taranaki, New Zealand.
