Eurycnema goliath: Difference between revisions
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'''''Eurycnema goliath''''', commonly known as the '''goliath stick insect''', or the regal stick insect,<ref name=":2" /> is a large species of [[stick insect]] in the family [[Phasmatidae]], it is [[Endemism|endemic]] to [[Australia]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last1=Brock |first1=Paul D. |last2=Hasenpusch|first2=Jack W. |date=2009 |title=Complete Field Guide to Stick and Leaf Insects of Australia |doi=10.1071/9780643097087|isbn=9780643097087 }}</ref> and considered one of the largest species of stick insects in the country.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Goliath Stick Insect, the Camouflage Master - Eurycnema goliath |url=https://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_hoppers/Goliath.htm|access-date=2021-05-11|website=www.brisbaneinsects.com}}</ref> The species has the [[Phasmid Study Group]] number '''PSG14'''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Species Information - Phasmid Study Group|url=http://phasmidstudygroup.org/phasmid-info/psg-culture-list/species-info?psg_no=9|access-date=2021-05-11|website=phasmidstudygroup.org}}</ref> |
'''''Eurycnema goliath''''', commonly known as the '''goliath stick insect''', or the regal stick insect,<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|last=Brock|first=Paul D.|date=December 1998|title=Studies on the Stick-Insect Genus Eurycnema Audinet-Serville (Phasmida; Phasmatidae) with Particular Reference to Australian Species|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.2307/3503495|journal=Journal of Orthoptera Research|issue=7|pages=61–70|doi=10.2307/3503495|issn=1082-6467|jstor=3503495}}</ref> is a large species of [[stick insect]] in the family [[Phasmatidae]], it is [[Endemism|endemic]] to [[Australia]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last1=Brock |first1=Paul D. |last2=Hasenpusch|first2=Jack W. |date=2009 |title=Complete Field Guide to Stick and Leaf Insects of Australia |doi=10.1071/9780643097087|isbn=9780643097087 }}</ref> and considered one of the largest species of stick insects in the country.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Goliath Stick Insect, the Camouflage Master - Eurycnema goliath |url=https://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_hoppers/Goliath.htm|access-date=2021-05-11|website=www.brisbaneinsects.com}}</ref> The species has the [[Phasmid Study Group]] number '''PSG14'''.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Species Information - Phasmid Study Group|url=http://phasmidstudygroup.org/phasmid-info/psg-culture-list/species-info?psg_no=9|access-date=2021-05-11|website=phasmidstudygroup.org}}</ref> |
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== Taxonomy == |
== Taxonomy == |
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== Description == |
== Description == |
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With an adult body length of 105–146 |
With an adult body length of 105–146 mm in males, and 155–204 mm in females<ref name=":0" />, the ''Eurycnema goliath'' is one of the largest species of Phasmatodea in Australia. General body coloration is apple-green, with yellow banding across the upper body<ref name=":0" />. [[Tubercle|Tubercles]] and spines are present on both dorsal and ventral sides of the body, usually accompanied by blueish green colouration<ref name=":0" />. The operculum structure of females is distinct, extending well beyond the abdomen. Cerci, the paired appendages on the end of the insects abdomen, are particularly long in the ''E. goliath,'' especially in males. |
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The phasmid has a large head coloured yellow with longitudinal green bands running from the eyes to the back of the head. Three glossy ocelli are on the top of the head in a triangular formation, sitting between two brown compound eyes. [[Antenna (biology)|Antennae]] are short (32 mm) in females, while being much larger in males (57 mm)<ref name=":0" />. |
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| ⚫ | Forewings are light green with white bands, and a vibrant red ventral surface in females. |
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Legs of the E. goliath are long and slender, with a mottled yellow and green colouration<ref name=":0" />. All legs are lined with serrate spines, with the largest spines occurring on the inside of the hind tibia. In males, these spines are more pronounced, with enlarged spines on the both the mid and hind-tibia<ref name=":0" />. The ''E. goliath'', like many phasmids, has adhesive pad structures on its legs which allow it to stick to surfaces, enabling ease of movement throughout the trees it inhabits<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Büscher|first=Thies H.|last2=Buckley|first2=Thomas R.|last3=Grohmann|first3=Constanze|last4=Gorb|first4=Stanislav N.|last5=Bradler|first5=Sven|date=2018-05-24|title=The Evolution of Tarsal Adhesive Microstructures in Stick and Leaf Insects (Phasmatodea)|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2018.00069|journal=Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution|volume=6|doi=10.3389/fevo.2018.00069|issn=2296-701X}}</ref>. |
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== Life cycle == |
== Life cycle == |
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==== Startle display ==== |
==== Startle display ==== |
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In response to being attacked or disturbed, ''Eurycnema goliath'' will expose the bright red ventral surface of its wings and spreads out its hind legs, then rapidly strikes them together. Additionally, false [[Eyespot (mimicry)|eyespots]] on the metacoxae will be revealed.<ref name=":3" /><ref name=":0" /> A swooshing sound, made by rubbing the wings together, also accompanies the display.<ref name=":3" /> This display is an act of [[deimatic behavior]], performed in an attempt to scare off, startle or distract a predator.<ref name=":0" /> |
In response to being attacked or disturbed, ''Eurycnema goliath'' will expose the bright red ventral surface of its wings and spreads out its hind legs, then rapidly strikes them together. Additionally, false [[Eyespot (mimicry)|eyespots]] on the metacoxae will be revealed.<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal|last1=Bedford|first1=G.O.|last2=Chinnick|first2=L.J.|date=October 1966|title=Conspicuous displays in two species of Australian stick insects|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0003-3472(66)80053-2|journal=Animal Behaviour|volume=14|issue=4|pages=518–521|doi=10.1016/s0003-3472(66)80053-2|issn=0003-3472|pmid=5972809}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> A swooshing sound, made by rubbing the wings together, also accompanies the display.<ref name=":3" /> This display is an act of [[deimatic behavior]], performed in an attempt to scare off, startle or distract a predator.<ref name=":0" /> |
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The striking of the heavily spined hind legs also serves as an attack strategy to injure both predators and rival females.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Buckley|first1=Thomas R|last2=Attanayake|first2=Dilini|last3=Bradler|first3=Sven|date=2008-12-16|title=Extreme convergence in stick insect evolution: phylogenetic placement of the Lord Howe Island tree lobster|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2008.1552|journal=Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences|volume=276|issue=1659|pages=1055–1062|doi=10.1098/rspb.2008.1552|pmid=19129110|pmc=2679072|issn=0962-8452}}</ref> |
The striking of the heavily spined hind legs also serves as an attack strategy to injure both predators and rival females.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Buckley|first1=Thomas R|last2=Attanayake|first2=Dilini|last3=Bradler|first3=Sven|date=2008-12-16|title=Extreme convergence in stick insect evolution: phylogenetic placement of the Lord Howe Island tree lobster|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2008.1552|journal=Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences|volume=276|issue=1659|pages=1055–1062|doi=10.1098/rspb.2008.1552|pmid=19129110|pmc=2679072|issn=0962-8452}}</ref> |
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Revision as of 05:47, 21 May 2021
| Goliath stick insect | |
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| Adult female E. goliath | |
| Scientific classification | |
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| Genus: | Eurycnema Audinet-Serville, 1838
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| Species: | E. goliath
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| Binomial name | |
| Eurycnema goliath (Gray, 1834)
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Eurycnema goliath, commonly known as the goliath stick insect, or the regal stick insect,[2] is a large species of stick insect in the family Phasmatidae, it is endemic to Australia[3] and considered one of the largest species of stick insects in the country.[4] The species has the Phasmid Study Group number PSG14.[5]
Taxonomy
The species was first described by English zoologist George Robert Gray in 1934, where it was originally placed in the genus Phamsa.[6] In 1935, Gray then transferred the insect to the genus Acrophylla[7]. 7 years later in 1842, Dutch zoologist Wilem De Haan transferred the goliath to the genus Cyphrocrania[6]. The insect was placed into its present day genus Eurycnema by English entomologist William Forsel Kirby in 1904.[7]
Within literature surrounding the Eurycnema goliath, the species has often been confused with the Eurycnema osiris due to the visual similarity between the insects.[2] Key distinguishing features between the species include differences in spines on the hind legs, forewing length and antennal segments.[2]
As a result of this confusion in identification and classification of Australian stick insects, various synonyms have appeared in literature regarding the Eurycnema goliath.[8] A comprehensive list of synonyms for the species follows.[3]
- Acrophylla goliath Gray, 1835
- Clemacantha regale Rainbow, 1897
- Cyphocrana goliath (Gray); Brullé, 1835
- Cyphocrania goliath (Gray); de Haan, 1842
- Cyphocrania herculeana Charpentier, 1841
- Diura goliath Gray, 1834
- Diura magnifica (Kirby); Günther, 1929
- Eurycnema goliath (Gray); Kirby, 1904
- Eurycnema magnifica Kirby, 1904
- Eurycnema viridissima Kirby, 1904a
Description
With an adult body length of 105–146 mm in males, and 155–204 mm in females[3], the Eurycnema goliath is one of the largest species of Phasmatodea in Australia. General body coloration is apple-green, with yellow banding across the upper body[3]. Tubercles and spines are present on both dorsal and ventral sides of the body, usually accompanied by blueish green colouration[3]. The operculum structure of females is distinct, extending well beyond the abdomen. Cerci, the paired appendages on the end of the insects abdomen, are particularly long in the E. goliath, especially in males.
The phasmid has a large head coloured yellow with longitudinal green bands running from the eyes to the back of the head. Three glossy ocelli are on the top of the head in a triangular formation, sitting between two brown compound eyes. Antennae are short (32 mm) in females, while being much larger in males (57 mm)[3].
Legs of the E. goliath are long and slender, with a mottled yellow and green colouration[3]. All legs are lined with serrate spines, with the largest spines occurring on the inside of the hind tibia. In males, these spines are more pronounced, with enlarged spines on the both the mid and hind-tibia[3]. The E. goliath, like many phasmids, has adhesive pad structures on its legs which allow it to stick to surfaces, enabling ease of movement throughout the trees it inhabits[9].
Forewings are light green with white bands, and a vibrant red ventral surface in females. Hindwings are transparent and green veined. Despite being fully winged, females are incapable of flight, this is likely due to their size and weight. Males, being much smaller, are capable of strong flight.
Life cycle
Goliath stick insects are hemimetabolous, going through an incomplete metamorphosis with egg, nymph and adult life stages.[3]
The species is parthenogenic, where females can lay eggs without the requirement for male fertilisation, despite this, fertilised reproduction will still occur.[10] Females lay eggs from summer through to autumn, with eggs hatching in 11–24 months.[11] The body of female goliath stick insects becomes very large during the egg-laying period.[3] When eggs are laid, the female will ‘flick’ the egg outwards to the ground using her abdomen, this further aids in egg dispersal.[3]
Eggs are large, dark brown and oval shaped, with a thick bark-like ridged exterior.[3] Egg production may vary based on seasonal conditions and food abundance, with females recorded laying 200–800 eggs.[12]
The egg also contains a large yellow capitulum,[13] an edible fleshy structure similar to that of elaiosomes in plant seeds, that serves the purpose of attracting ants to collect and disperse eggs.[11] The fatty acid composition of this capitulum is key to attracting ant species to locate and carry the egg.[11][14] Ants will often bring the egg underground into nests, which protects the egg from the environment and predation.[11]
There are five instar stages prior to becoming an adult, nymphs are much smaller and skinnier, with a 'stick-like' appearance. Nymphs hatch looking brown and 'ant-like',[4] following the first moult, they will turn green and begin developing wings.
Distribution and habitat
The goliath stick insect is widespread throughout Australia's east coast in New South Wales and southern Queensland.[3] Small populations have also been reported in the Northern Territory, northern Queensland and Tasmania.[15] They can be encountered within bushland, rainforests and in green spaces such as parks and gardens.[3]
The insect also has a preference for inhabiting eucalyptus and acacia tree species, its primary food plants.[3]
The number of mature individuals present in the wild, and the population trend is unknown.[15] Despite this, Eurycnema goliath is considered common across its distribution range, and was classified as ‘least concern’ in the IUCN red list, following a 2016 species assessment.[15]
Threats
Threats facing Eurycnema goliath are primarily in the form of habitat loss, due to the reliance of the species on eucalyptus and acacia species for both a food source, and for protection from predators.[3][15]
Over its distribution range, bushfires and extreme weather events are the largest threats to Eurycnema goliath populations.[15]
Behavior
Anti-predator adaptations
Camouflage
In a form of passive camouflage and plant mimicry, the goliath stick insect has evolved to resemble the leaf, or branch of a tree with its coloration and shape.[4][3] This is accompanied by a swaying body movement from side to side that is thought to mimic the swaying of leaves and branches.[4] This adaptation assists the goliath stick insect in avoiding detection by predators.[10]
Startle display
In response to being attacked or disturbed, Eurycnema goliath will expose the bright red ventral surface of its wings and spreads out its hind legs, then rapidly strikes them together. Additionally, false eyespots on the metacoxae will be revealed.[16][3] A swooshing sound, made by rubbing the wings together, also accompanies the display.[16] This display is an act of deimatic behavior, performed in an attempt to scare off, startle or distract a predator.[3]
The striking of the heavily spined hind legs also serves as an attack strategy to injure both predators and rival females.[17]
Diet and predation
Diet
The goliath stick insect is folivorous, and primarily feeds on acacia and eucalyptus plants,[3] however, in captivity, the insect has been recorded eating a range of food sources such as Bramble and Quercus species.[3][2] The species primarily feeds at night.[3]
Predation
Little is known about the predation of the insect in Australia,[2] however, the Eurycnema goliath has been recorded being predated on by insectivorous and omnivorous birds.[18]
Interaction with humans
As they are easy to care for and effectively harmless to humans, the goliath stick insect is bred in captivity on a global scale, to be sold and kept as exotic pets.[15] Goliath stick insects and their eggs can be bought online.
Due to its size, the insect is also often used in educational displays at museums and zoos.[19][20]
See also
References
- ^ Rudolf, Elana; Brock, Paul (2017). "Eurycnema Goliath". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T79003367A79003460. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T79003367A79003460.en.
- ^ a b c d e Brock, Paul D. (December 1998). "Studies on the Stick-Insect Genus Eurycnema Audinet-Serville (Phasmida; Phasmatidae) with Particular Reference to Australian Species". Journal of Orthoptera Research (7): 61–70. doi:10.2307/3503495. ISSN 1082-6467. JSTOR 3503495.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v Brock, Paul D.; Hasenpusch, Jack W. (2009). Complete Field Guide to Stick and Leaf Insects of Australia. doi:10.1071/9780643097087. ISBN 9780643097087.
- ^ a b c d "Goliath Stick Insect, the Camouflage Master - Eurycnema goliath". www.brisbaneinsects.com. Retrieved 2021-05-11.
- ^ "Species Information - Phasmid Study Group". phasmidstudygroup.org. Retrieved 2021-05-11.
- ^ a b Harman, A.J.E. (April 2011). "The Development of the Phasmid Species List: Part One PSG No. 1-50" (PDF). Phasmid Study Group. Retrieved 13/5/21.
{{cite news}}: Check date values in:|access-date=(help) - ^ a b Kirby, William Forsell. (1904). A synonymic catalogue of Orthoptera. London: Printed by order of the Trustees [by Taylor and Francis]. p. 391. doi:10.5962/bhl.title.6745.
- ^ Kirby, W. F. (1892). Elementary text-book of entomology. London: S. Sonnenschein. doi:10.5962/bhl.title.8139.
- ^ Büscher, Thies H.; Buckley, Thomas R.; Grohmann, Constanze; Gorb, Stanislav N.; Bradler, Sven (2018-05-24). "The Evolution of Tarsal Adhesive Microstructures in Stick and Leaf Insects (Phasmatodea)". Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. 6. doi:10.3389/fevo.2018.00069. ISSN 2296-701X.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link) - ^ a b "Goliath Stick Insect – Bugs Ed". Retrieved 2021-05-11.
- ^ a b c d Stanton, Anthony O.; Dias, Daniel A.; O’Hanlon, James C. (August 2015). "Egg Dispersal in the Phasmatodea: Convergence in Chemical Signaling Strategies Between Plants and Animals?". Journal of Chemical Ecology. 41 (8): 689–695. doi:10.1007/s10886-015-0604-8. ISSN 0098-0331. PMID 26245262.
- ^ Bedford, G O (January 1978). "Biology and Ecology of the Phasmatodea". Annual Review of Entomology. 23 (1): 125–149. doi:10.1146/annurev.en.23.010178.001013. ISSN 0066-4170.
- ^ CLARK, J. T. (April 1976). "The eggs of stick insects (Phasmida): a review with descriptions of the eggs of eleven species". Systematic Entomology. 1 (2): 95–105. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3113.1976.tb00342.x. ISSN 0307-6970.
- ^ O’Hanlon, James C.; Jones, Braxton R.; Bulbert, Matthew W. (2020-07-31). "The dynamic eggs of the Phasmatodea and their apparent convergence with plants". The Science of Nature. 107 (4): 34. Bibcode:2020SciNa.107...34O. doi:10.1007/s00114-020-01690-1. ISSN 0028-1042.
- ^ a b c d e f Rudolf, Elena; Brock, Paul (2017). "Eurycnema goliath". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T79003367A79003460.en.
- ^ a b Bedford, G.O.; Chinnick, L.J. (October 1966). "Conspicuous displays in two species of Australian stick insects". Animal Behaviour. 14 (4): 518–521. doi:10.1016/s0003-3472(66)80053-2. ISSN 0003-3472. PMID 5972809.
- ^ Buckley, Thomas R; Attanayake, Dilini; Bradler, Sven (2008-12-16). "Extreme convergence in stick insect evolution: phylogenetic placement of the Lord Howe Island tree lobster". Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences. 276 (1659): 1055–1062. doi:10.1098/rspb.2008.1552. ISSN 0962-8452. PMC 2679072. PMID 19129110.
- ^ Briggs, Allan (2018). "Breeding biology and behaviour of a pair of Pacific Bazas Aviceda subcristata in central-coastal Queensland over 10 years". Australian Field Ornithology. 35: 95–101. doi:10.20938/afo35095101.
- ^ "Care of Stick Insects". The Australian Museum. Retrieved 2021-05-11.
- ^ Love, J. (January 2005). "Keeping live mini-beasts as classroom pets". Science Education News. doi:10.3316/aeipt.143401.