Insect · GBIF taxon 1415014
Southern Two-striped Walkingstick
Anisomorpha buprestoidesAlso known as Devil Rider, Musk Mare, Two-striped Stick Insect, Southern Stick Bug
Found throughout pine flatwoods and oak scrub across the southeastern United States, these stout stick insects are easily recognized by two dark longitudinal stripes running down their bodies. Males are notably smaller than females and frequently spend days or weeks riding on the female's back during courtship and mating. When threatened, adults can aim and spray a harsh defensive chemical directly at a predator's eyes with surprising accuracy.
CamouflagedDefensive SprayHerbivore
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Live Oak Leaves
- Rose Foliage
- Privet Leaves
Predators
- Birds
- Lizards
- Small Mammals
ThreatsHabitat loss, heavy pesticide use
HabitatsPine flatwoods, oak scrub, coastal dunes, forest edges
Life span1 to 2 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyPseudophasmatidae
- SpeciesAnisomorpha buprestoides
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Sprays a painful defensive liquid that irritates skin and eyes; keep a safe distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Secretes a caustic chemical aerosol called anisomorphal from thoracic glands, causing severe eye pain, inflammation, and temporary blindness.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Wingless, stout stick insect with broad dark stripes running down a tan body, often seen as a tiny male riding a large female.
- What to do
- Observe from a safe distance without leaning directly over the insect, as adults accurately target threats up to 30 centimeters away.
Responsible observation
- Maintain Safe Distance: Stand back at least one meter to avoid accidental exposure to defensive chemical spray.
- Observe Pairings: Look for the dramatic size difference when small males ride atop larger females.
- Avoid Handling: Never pick up or squeeze this insect, as handling reliably triggers aerosol defensive spray.
Order Member (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick · cc-by
Order Member (c) Jason E. Farabaugh, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Host Plant Homer Edward Price / CC BY 2.0 · CC BY 2.0
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by Elin Pierce · cc0
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