Samtschrecke im Insektenwald des Zoo Zürich

Black beauty stick insect

Peruphasma schultei

Far from being a quick encounter: in the case of the black beauty stick insect, mating can take an unusually long time. The smaller male often remains perched on the back of the larger female for quite some time – even after the actual mating has taken place.

CR

Red List
Critically Endangered

The black beauty stick insect is characterised by its robust, velvety-black body, yellow eyes, yellow-ringed antennae and red hind wings. Also striking are the rudimentary, leathery wing covers (tegmina), which are raised when there are threats or during courtship. Although they have wings, these insects are flightless.

When threatened, they can spray an irritating secretion that temporarily irritates the eyes and nose.

Taxonomy

Pseudophasmatidae, genus Peruphasma (approx. 8 species)

Habitat

Peru’s tropical and subtropical forests

Behaviour and ecology

active at dusk and at night

Diet

leaves of the pepper tree

Taxonomy

Pseudophasmatidae, genus Peruphasma (approx. 8 species)

Habitat

Peru’s tropical and subtropical forests

Behaviour and ecology

active at dusk and at night

Diet

leaves of the pepper tree

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