Acanthoxyla prasina
| Prickly stick insect | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | |
| Phylum: | |
| Class: | |
| Order: | |
| Family: | |
| Subfamily: | |
| Tribe: | Bradley & Galil, 1977
|
| Genus: | |
| Species: | A. prasina
|
| Binomial name | |
| Acanthoxyla prasina | |
Acanthoxyla prasina or prickly stick insect is a stick insect in the order Phasmatodea and the family Phasmatidae. It is found throughout New Zealand, although it is less frequently reported than "common" stick insect species. It has a thorny skin, which is used as camouflage.[1]
The species reproduces by parthenogenesis, producing eggs without the help of a male, and no male prickly stick insects have been found. Although native to New Zealand, the insect has been accidentally introduced into England, where it breeds well.[1]
References
- ^ a b "Insect poses prickly questions" on Otago Daily Times website, viewed 2013-10-16