Giant Malayan stick insects are found in Malayasia and Singapore. Out of more than 2,500 closely related species, Giant Malayan stick insects are among the longest.
The life of a giant Malayan stick insect
Giant Malayan stick insects can grow to nearly a foot-and-a-half. Males have wings but cannot fly, while females are wingless. Their eggs hatch after five to nine months and they live about four months. The young can regenerate legs that are damaged or lost, but adults cannot.
Giant Malayan stick insects eat leaves found in their forest habitat. They are excellent climbers and can grip tightly to tree branches. Their sticklike appearance helps them blend in with surroundings to avoid insect-eating predators.
Giant Malayan stick insects are nocturnal, feeding on leaves under the cover of darkness, which further protects them from predators. Their predators include birds, reptiles, spiders and small mammals.
Giant Malayan stick insects at the zoo
Located in the Insect Zoo.
