Northern Walkingstick – diapheromera femorata
The Northern Walkingstick, Diapheromera femorata can be found throughout the United States and North to Canada. Walkingsticks can make an impressive addition to an insect collection reaching body lengths of 95mm for females. With the appendages spread out the total length can be as long as 130mm or more. They must be handled with care while spreading and mounting as their appendages separate easily from the body.
Walkingsticks are herbivores so restriction may apply when mailing live specimens across state lines. Walkingsticks may be found in and near deciduous woods and forests. They feed on Foliage of deciduous trees and shrubs, especially oaks and hazelnuts. The best way to collect a walkingstick is by hand or with a sweep-net. When caught I place the live specimen in an envelope and then transfer to a freezer.
Walkingsticks do not inflict a harmful bite but can feel prickly when handling because of their claws. As a protective function their legs can easily detach and provide them with a quick get-away.
BugGuide sighting in the following states:
Eastern Half of USA
Arkansas
Alabama
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
New Brunswick
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Ontario
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Vermont
Virginia
West Virginia
Wisconsin