As evening falls … hidden creatures awaken … Can you see them?
There’s one … and another ...
And here’s one, too. All heading out to look for a late night bite to eat.
But they’re not the only ones with an appetite.
This walking stick looks delicate, feeble even.
But survival is about much more than strength.
After all, this species has traveled far from its original home in India. Their first line
of defense is their incredible camouflage …
… bumpy and wrinkled with spots and spindly legs.
Walking sticks are part of an order called Phasmatodea, from the Greek word for phantom.
When resting, they stay absolutely still …
When they get up and go, they sway … like twigs in a gentle breeze.
They tiptoe along on tiny hooked feet, perfectly adapted to a life in the leaves.
But sometimes, even the best disguise can’t save you, especially if you’re a young nymph.
Older, wiser walking sticks can make a sudden escape by popping off their branch.
Nothing to see here, predators.
If they do manage to escape, walking sticks don't always make a clean getaway ... and
well, they leave a limb behind.
Younger ones can grow their legs back … although they may
end up shorter than before. That’s what happened with this new leg.
For walking sticks, nighttime can be the right time to find a mate. But the females of this
species don’t need a male to reproduce. A female can lay viable eggs without mating
at all – cloning herself through parthenogenesis, or asexual reproduction.
These babies are tiny clones.
All female, like mom. At this stage, they’re all the same pale brown color ... but when
they mature, they might change to any of the colors in this forest palette
of greens and browns.
You'd think they'd just be the same color as their mom, being clones and all.
How the clones end up different colors is still a mystery. However it happens, this
variability works to their advantage so they can find just the right background
for their disappearing act.
Hi, it's Laura. Don't "leaf" yet … or you'll miss our video about these amazing walking
stick cousins: giant Malaysian leaf insects. They really know how to shake it!
Also, here is another little critter who's great at hiding … on you. Head lice use
their huge claws to turn your hair into their personal jungle gym.
You're welcome!