Common Walkingstick

Natural Habitat

Deciduous forests and woodlands, especially on oak, hazelnut, and black cherry trees

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; feeds on the leaves of hardwood trees and shrubs

Behavior Patterns

Master of camouflage that mimics twigs; primarily nocturnal and slow-moving; females drop eggs individually from the canopy to the forest floor

Risks & Benefits

Generally harmless to humans; large outbreaks can cause localized defoliation of trees, but they usually provide a food source for birds and other predators

Identified on: 2/25/2026