BLACK BEAUTY STICK INSECT

(Peruphasma schultei)

Description

Black beauty stick insects are predominantly black in colour with a velvety appearance. They have yellow eyes and can occasionally also have yellow mouthparts. Their hind wings, which are usually folded away are bright red. If startled, they will flash these red wings at a predator in order to confuse it, giving them a chance to escape.

Habitat & Distribution

This insect exists only in the Cordillera del Condor region of Peru in South America.

Diet

Black beauty stick insects will eat leaves from the Schinus genus of pepper trees in the wild. Captive individuals will eat the leaves of plants such as privet and honeysuckle.

Conservation Status

Critically Endangered.

Did you know?

This stick insect was only described as a new species in 2005 after it was discovered by Rainer Schulte; a German wildlife rescue and management specialist.
When threatened, these stick insects will not only warn predators off by flashing their red wings. They can also spray a foul smelling substance as a warning. As well as smelling awful, this substance can also irritate skin and eyes.
There is little reproductive information on this species; however, females of this species have been reported to exhibit parthenogenesis. This means that they can produce offspring from unfertilised eggs.