The Medauroidea extradentata, commonly known as the Vietnamese or Annam Walking Stick, is an intriguing insect species. It belongs to the order Phasmatodea, a group recognized for their remarkable ability to blend into their surroundings. These creatures have gained popularity among enthusiasts due to their unique appearance, subtle movements, twig-like bodies, and relatively straightforward care requirements.
Physical Characteristics and Natural Behavior
The Vietnamese Walking Stick possesses a slender, elongated body that closely mimics a twig or stem, providing exceptional camouflage. Adult females grow larger, reaching 10 to 12 centimeters (4 to 5 inches), and are identifiable by two small, horn-like protrusions on their heads and a textured body resembling bark. Males are smaller and more slender, growing to about 9 centimeters (3 inches), and lack these horns.
Both sexes are wingless, relying on their cryptic appearance for protection. When disturbed, these insects often exhibit catalepsy, a defense mechanism where they feign death by becoming rigid and motionless. As nocturnal creatures, they primarily forage and move under the cover of darkness, remaining still and camouflaged during daylight hours.
Habitat and Dietary Needs
The native habitat of the Vietnamese Walking Stick is the tropical forests of Vietnam, where they thrive in warm and humid conditions. These insects are arboreal, spending most of their lives concealed within trees and shrubs, which also serve as their primary food source.
As herbivores, their diet consists exclusively of plant material. In captivity, food sources include fresh leaves from bramble, raspberry, oak, hawthorn, and rose. They obtain hydration by consuming water droplets that accumulate on leaves, which can be replicated by regularly misting their enclosure.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
A primary mode of reproduction for Medauroidea extradentata is parthenogenesis. This means females can produce viable offspring without male fertilization, effectively cloning themselves. Consequently, male Vietnamese Walking Sticks are rare, particularly in captive populations, which are often composed entirely of females.
Females typically drop their small, seed-like eggs onto the substrate. These eggs are often mottled with black and white patterns and capped with a distinct black tip. The incubation period usually ranges from two to four months before nymphs emerge.
Once hatched, nymphs resemble miniature versions of the adults, though they may initially display a greener hue before transitioning to various shades of brown as they mature. They undergo a series of molts, shedding their exoskeletons approximately six times, to accommodate their growth. After reaching adulthood, around three months of age, they become capable of reproduction. The adult lifespan generally spans about one year.