Walkingstick is an insect that looks like a twig. The strange appearance of this insect hides it from its enemies. There are more than 3,000 species of walkingsticks. Several species of these insects are found in the United States. The common walkingstick of the Eastern states has long legs and a slender body that is 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 centimeters) long. Unlike most insects, a walkingstick has no wings. It may be brown or green. It eats leaves, and sometimes harms trees. The female usually drops her eggs on the ground. Females have many offspring, but few of them survive into adulthood. Several of the larger, tropical species of walkingsticks are popular in zoos and can be raised in captivity. See also Leaf insect.
