Indian Stick Insect / Laboratory Stick Insect

Tropical forests, gardens, shrublands, and domestic or laboratory environments. Native to southern India but naturalized in parts of Europe and North America.

Herbivorous; feeds on foliage including bramble, rose leaves, ivy, privilege, and oak.

Nocturnal feeder that remains motionless and camouflaged as a twig during the day. Exhibits catalepsy (playing dead) when threatened and reproduces primarily via parthenogenesis (virgin birth).

Harmless to humans with no sting or bite. Beneficial educational insect popular in research and school classrooms. Can occasionally become a minor garden pest if escaped in high numbers.