Thorn-tailed ghost grasshopper

As is typical of stick insects (Phasmatodea), the females are larger than the males. The species is predominantly brown to dark brown in colour, with the females generally having a darker hue. A distinctive sexual characteristic is the females’ ovipositor, which they use to lay their eggs individually into the ground. Another distinguishing feature is the males’ modified hind legs: these are more robust and possess a conspicuously large spine.

Reproduction can take place either through sexual reproduction or through parthenogenesis, which is an asexual form of reproduction that occurs predominantly in the absence of males.

Unlike many other ghost grasshoppers, the thorny ghost grasshopper is rarely found in the upper parts of trees. As a crepuscular and nocturnal insect, it spends most of the day on the ground, where it hides under leaves or bark. At night, it occasionally climbs trees, but always remains close to the ground.

In its natural habitat, it plays a key ecological role by helping to break down organic matter, thereby supporting the forest’s nutrient cycle.

A morphologically similar species is the thorny devil walking stick (Eurycantha horrida), which has a close relationship to the spiny ghost grasshopper in terms of taxonomy. However, the two species can be distinguished on the basis of several characteristics.

The spiny ghost grasshopper reaches a larger adult size, with a body length of around 16 cm (in females). Furthermore, its exoskeleton has a comparatively smoother surface with less pronounced spines, whilst its body colouration appears more uniform.

There are also differences in behaviour: whilst the thorny ghost grasshopper tends to live close to the ground, the Thorny devil walking stick is more commonly found in higher branches and also reacts more aggressively to threats.