Australia has a rich diversity of phasmids—otherwise known as stick and leaf insects. Most of them are endemic, few have been studied and new species continue to be found. Stick insects are, by far, Australia’s longest insects—some of them reach up to 300 mm in body length and more than 500 mm including outstretched legs. Many stick insects are very colorful and some have quite elaborate, defensive behavior. Increasingly they are being kept as pets.This is the first book on Australian phasmids for nearly 200 years. It includes photographs and distribution maps for all species, notes on their ecology and biology as well as identification keys suitable for novices or professionals.
Author(s): Paul D. Brock, Jack W. Hasenpusch
Year: 2009
Language: English
Pages: 216
Contents......Page 8
Foreword......Page 6
Preface......Page 10
Acknowledgements......Page 12
1 Introduction......Page 14
2 Habitat and ecology......Page 28
3 Collecting, preserving, photographing and rearing......Page 34
4 Guide to species......Page 46
Appendix 1: Keys to genera and species......Page 162
Appendix 2: Classification of phasmids......Page 195
Appendix 3: Checklist of Australian phasmids......Page 198
Glossary......Page 205
References......Page 208
More about phasmids......Page 210
Index of common names......Page 211
Index of valid scientific names......Page 214
