- Found predominantly in the tropics and subtropics—although several species live in temperate regions
- As its name suggests, the stick insect resembles the twigs among which it lives. They’re typically brown, black, or green, with stick-shaped bodies that help them blend in
- They can be relatively large, ranging from 1.5 centimetres (0.6 in) to over 30 centimetres (12 in) in length
- Stick insects are unusual among the insects in that they have the ability to regenerate legs and antennae.
- They have an impressive visual system that allows them to perceive significant detail, even in dim conditions, which suits their typically nocturnal lifestyle
- Stick insects thrive in forests and grasslands, where they feed on leaves
- They are usually active after dark
- When disturbed, stick insects will often fall to the ground and “play dead” for hours
- Some stick insect species can reproduce without males
- The lifespan of stick insects varies by species, but ranges from a few months to up to three years
