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Spiny Stick Insect, Phasmid - Female
Tisamenus fratercula
18.5844, 120.83
Field Notes
Description:
This is a Female Spiny Stick Insect from the family Obriminae - species Tisamenus fratercula. Phasmids under the family of Orbiminae are endemic to Philippines.
Presently, there are around 18-20 different species of Tisamenus found in various parts of Philippines.
The genus Tisamenus has unique identification feature which is a triangular structure on the mesonotum.
During the night walk, I came across more than 10 specimen of this species.
The Females of this specie have wider body than the Males and is bigger than the Male, not by much, unlike most other species of Phasmids, whereas the Males tends to be much smaller than the Females.
Size of Female is around 6-7 cm and the Male around 4.5-5cm.
Habitat:
Phasmids under the genus of Tisamenus tends to live quite low (near the ground) in tropical forest. They are nocturnal and during day time, tends to hide near the ground level among branches and dead leaves, which they blends in very well. During night time, they come out to feed, and do expose themselves on top of leafs, still very low or near the ground level.
Notes:
This specie of Phasmid is interesting as at the base of the second pair of legs, it has 2 circles that looks like 'false eyes' and you can see a 'face' on the back of this Phasmid as shown in the first picture :)
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