Rhamphophasma spinicorne (PSG 194)

    The ova of this species are very different than any I have seen before.  They look very much like grass seeds, and have a small "fuzz-tuft" on the ends, similar to dandelion seeds.  These stick-insects have very short antennae, and long front legs.  At the 3rd instar, they become a very beautiful shade of green.  I have found that they love leaves from the Chinese Silk Tree as nymphs.  This is also the most difficult stick-insect I have ever tried to hold onto.  Not only do they move very quickly, but they have a backwards-retreat maneuver that is really amazing.  Another notable behavior is the technique the female uses to lay her ova.  She gets down on the ground, brings her legs in close to her body, and then curls her abdomen up and over her head.  The abdomen actually bends in the middle and develops a sharp crease.  She then pushes her ovipositor into the ground and dispenses the ovum.

Foodplants: bramble, Chinese silk tree, oak