Goliath Stick Insect

Goliath Stick Insect Facts

• Most notably, the truly remarkable Goliath Stick Insect bears a common name that’s completely appropriate for it. The magnificent insect also bears the somewhat cumbersome scientific name of Eurycnema goliath. But by either name, it presently ranks as the second largest known variety of stick insect in its entire region of the globe.
• Furthermore, the awesomeness of this particular invertebrate does not end there. That’s because its comparatively immense size earns it yet another distinction. In point of fact, this surprisingly lovely invertebrate holds a special place in the record books. That occurs because it’s one of the largest known insects of its type in the entire world.
• Regrettably, however, this fascinating creature also inhabits a rather restricted range of natural habitation. Yet despite its minimal habitat range, its population appears to be relatively stable, For that reason, the IUCN currently lists it as a species of Least Concern. Nevertheless, it doubtless remains at risk from the ongoing effects of climate change.

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Goliath Stick Insect Physical Description

Firstly, the Goliath Stick Insect truly represents a quite remarkable physical insect species. This comparison especially holds true when compared to the majority of related species. However, it does share many traits with its relatives. For one, like many arthropods, the species displays a moderate degree of sexual dimorphism.

Secondly, in its case, the females of the amazing species typically remain the larger of the genders. In point of fact, these grow quite large, sometimes reaching a measured length of as much as 9.8 in (25 cm). Meanwhile, the males of the species generally attain a somewhat smaller physical size than their female counterparts.

In color, both genders of the Goliath Stick Insect appear the same. Green remains the primary color. Yet combinations of purple, blue, gold, yellow, and red appear on the underside of the large wings. Although both sexes possess wings, typically only the male has the ability to fly. His body also grows slimmer and lighter than that of the larger female.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Phasmatodea
• Family: Phasmatidae
• Genus: Eurycnema
• Species: E. goliath

Goliath Stick Insect Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Quite sadly, the astonishing Goliath Stick Insect presently inhabits a greatly restricted section of the earth. That’s because the massive arthropod apparently remains endemic to only a relatively small portion of the continent of Australia. This range of habitation consists of only the region along the coast, around Queensland, as well as somewhat further north, around Cairns.

While its range may be very small compared to other similar insects, the fascinating arthropod does have one evolutionary advantage. That’s because the amazing creature appears to be extremely adaptable and flexible in its habitat. It primarily inhabits areas of either forest or shrubland, due to the natural camouflage this type of habitat provides, given its natural coloring.

The remarkable Goliath Stick Insect also appears to have a strong preference for certain flora. That’s due to the fact that it seems to be particularly fond of residing in or near eucalyptus trees and some flowers, such as acacias. Its camouflage even extends to its eggs. These have the general appearance of small seeds, often prompting ants to take them into their nests.

Species Sharing Its Range

                                     

Thorny Dragon           Giant Prickly Stick Insect          Tawny Frogmouth

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