The baby leaf bug is similar in size to my baby stick bugs, but a stockier build, very dark with a red head. When I tried to pick her up, instead of moving slowly like the stick bugs, this little gal starting marching quickly, almost running on my hand, and did not hesitate to jump when she reached the edge of my hand! If I didn't know she was a gentle vegetarian bug, I'd be scared to touch her. She looks downright fierce! When disturbed, she rolls his little dark tail into a tight ball, looking like a biting ant.
We had a hard time taking photos with her moving so quickly, so this is all I can share so far:
For comparison, here is a newly hatched baby stick insect:
9 comments:
Interesting! I don't know many bugs - glad to meet this one! I would have been scared, too, if we hadn't been properly introduced. Thanks for the information and introduction.
Is the care/diet similar to that of stick bugs?
HolleyGarden - Thanks for visiting. I love to see people, especially kids, who are initially scared of them, to warm up to them, and finally enjoy handling them.
Tim - Yes, the diet/care is the same (fresh blackberry leaves or other "brambles"), and they co-exist peacefully, so that will make it easy. It is only for better viewing that I bought another cage, and am using it for my spiny leaf bug and my few green stick bugs (they look stunning, but I haven't been able to get a decent photo yet!).
I am looking for some of thee guys or stick bugs for my sone. My ex and I had a huge aquarium full of them. Was a blast:)
michhc@msn.com
whoa needed to spell check sorry....lol
michhc@msn.com
I think our leaf bug is dying... she laid several eggs & is now moving very slow.
My son was hoping to do his project on her... bummer.
If you're in the Vancouver BC area, then I have many spiny leaf insects currently.
Also pink wing stick insects. Pretty cool too.
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