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Animals from A-Z

Spiny Leaf Insect

(engl: Extatosoma)

Ants as a "babysitter" 

The females drop their eggs one by one on the ground. Australian fire ants collect the eggs as they look like plant seeds. They then transport them to the storage chambers of the ant nest. Their shell is so thick that the ants cannot crack it. Due to the climate in the ants nest, the nymphs can develop and hatch there. In the first few days, they look so much like fire ants that they can escape the nest, intact.

Australische Gespenstschrecke, Foto: Thomas Hahn
Australische Gespenstschrecke, Foto: Thomas Hahn
Australische Gespenstschrecke, Foto: Thomas Hahn
Verbreitungsgebiet: Australische Gespenstschrecke
Verbreitungsgebiet: Australische Gespenstschrecke
Scientific Surname Extatosoma tiaratum
Order Phasmatodea
Family Phasmatidae
Size male: 9 cm, female: 14 cm
Reproduction time of development of the embryons: 5-6 month, of the nymphs: 4-6 months
Distribution Australia, Neuguinea
Habitat tropical forests
Food Leaves
Livestock secured