Baculum sp. (PSG 144)

     This species has been called Baculum Saussure (although I have also heard Saussure used to describe another species of Baculum).  It is technically unidentified at this point in time.  It has also incorrectly been called Baculum artemis.  Only females are known in culture.  The ova hatch in only 3-4 months, and the phasmid reaches maturity very quickly and lays many ova.  The front femora (upper legs) are serrated, and the tail has a small thorn-like point at maturity.  In the mid-instars, the bottom of the insect has a bamboo-like characteristic, with dark-brown patches occurring near the leg-body joints.  They front legs are quite long.  As the insect becomes gravid, it turns from brown to green.

Foodplants: bayberry, bramble, red maple