It wasn’t too long ago that I became aware there was an insect called a “walkingstick.” A creature that I would have marveled at as a child. During my growing up years I spent loads of time in the woods, but never did I see such a thing. I’m delighted now that I know about these critters.

This Northern Walkingstick (Diapheromera fermorata) is native to North America. Its range in the US extends from the Atlantic coast, Maine to Florida, west to New Mexico and north to North Dakota. In Canada it is found in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Québec. Northern Walkingsticks have built-in eye protection that acts to shield them from excessive sunlight. 

They have an incredible camouflage, looking like a twig, and will keep their legs close to their body and remain perfectly still when they sense predators, such as American Robins or Crows are nearby. Sometimes a predator only gets away with a leg. These clever insects often are able to regenerate that lost leg. Northern Walkingsticks are found in deciduous woods and forests. They seek out oaks and hazelnuts, skeletonizing their leaves.