Goliath stick insect

Eurycnema goliath

The Goliath stick insect is the second largest stick insect in Australia, and though not as long, the insect has a heavier, sturdier build. The first instar of a nymph is small, brown, and ant-like, without wings, however the adult insects are green and yellow, though colors can slightly vary, are very large, and have wings.
Eastern Goliath Stick Insect Eurycnema goliath,Goliath stick insect

Appearance

Both sexes of the Goliath stick insect are apple green with hints of gold, purple, red and yellow. Colourful patterns on the underside of the wings of Goliaths are used as a defence tactic in order to ward off predators. The females can reach lengths of up to 25 cm.
The eggs of the Goliath stick insect look like seeds, so that common ants may take them underground, allowing them to hatch in safety. Males are smaller, slimmer, and darker in color as compared to females. While both sexes have wings, only the lightweight males can fly, as the females have a large, heavy abdomen which gives them limited, if any flight.
Eastern Goliath Stick Insect Size up to 25cms female is more than twice male's size. They feed on leaves of plants such as Eucalptus, Acacia and Callistemon. They feed mainly at night. They are found in northern and eastern Australia, including Qld, NSW and WA. Eurycnema goliath,Goliath stick insect

Habitat

The Goliath stick insect can be found throughout Australia except for Victoria. Goliath stick insects are extremely hard to find due to their camouflage and tendency to hide in tree tops. They can be found mostly in Eucalyptus trees, or small native flowers such as acacias.

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Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionArthropoda
ClassInsecta
OrderPhasmatodea
FamilyPhasmatidae
GenusEurycnema
SpeciesE. goliath