Phasmatodea
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2008-07-12T01:03:44Z
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:''"Phasmid" redirects here. For the cloning vector used in genetics, see [[phagemid]].''
{{Taxobox
| name = Phasmatodea
|fossil_range=[[Eocene]] - Recent
| image = Ctenomorpha chronus02.jpg
| image_width = 200px
| image_caption = ''[[Ctenomorpha chronus]]''
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
| phylum = [[Arthropod]]a
| classis = [[Insect]]a
| subclassis = [[Pterygota]]
| infraclassis = [[Neoptera]]
| superordo = [[Exopterygota]]
| ordo = '''Phasmatodea'''
| ordo_authority = [[Georgij Georgiewitsch Jacobson|Jacobson]] & [[Valentin Lvovich Bianchi|Bianchi]], 1902
| subdivision_ranks = Suborders
| subdivision =
[[Agathemerodea]]<br>
[[Timematodea]]<br>
[[Verophasmatodea]]
}}
The '''Phasmatodea''' (sometimes called '''Phasmida''') are an order of [[insect]]s, whose members are variously known as '''stick insects''' (in [[Europe]]), '''walking sticks''' or '''stick-bugs''' (in the [[United States of America]]), '''phasmids''', '''ghost insects''' and '''leaf insects''' (generally the family [[Phylliidae]]). The ordinal name is derived from the Greek "phasma" meaning an apparition or phantom, and refers to the resemblance of many species to sticks or leaves. Their natural camouflage can make them extremely difficult to spot. A few species (for example those in the genus ''[[Anisomorpha]]'') are capable of secreting a substance from [[gland]]s on the [[metathorax]] that can cause an intense burning irritation of the eyes (and in some cases temporary blindness) and mouth of potential predators on contact.
==Taxonomy==
The classification of the Phasmatodea is complex. There are many people, including amateur entomologists, studying the order, and revisions are commonplace. The most authoritative source for information on the current taxonomy is the [http://phasmida.orthoptera.org/ Phasmida Species File] which is continually updated.
The Phasmatodea were considered a suborder of [[Orthoptera]], although most authors now consider them to form an order of their own. There is much confusion over the ordinal name, with Phasmida being preferred by many authors, although it is incorrectly formed. Phasmatodea is correctly formed, and is gaining in popularity. '''Cheleutoptera''' is now considered outdated.
They are sometimes considered related to other orders, including the [[Blattaria]], [[Mantodea]], [[Notoptera]] and [[Dermaptera]], but the affiliations are uncertain and the grouping (sometimes referred to as "Orthopteroidea") may be [[paraphyletic]] and hence invalid in the traditional circumscription.
==Species==
There are around 2,500 described species, with many more yet to be described, both in museum collections, and in the wild. The order has a world-wide distribution, but most species are found in the tropics. These species vary from stick like species to those resembling bark, leaves and even [[lichens]].
==Stick insects as pets ==
Many stick insects are easy to care for, and make good pets. The Indian (or Laboratory) stick insect, ''[[Carausius morosus]]'', requires a tall (25+ cm) [[vivarium]] (even a jar with a few holes punched in the top), some [[bramble]], [[ivy]], [[privet]] and [[ lettuce]] and an atmosphere at room temperature. Indian stick insects are all female and reproduce by [[parthenogenesis]] and seem content living on their own. Occasionally part-male part-female individuals are reared in captivity, but never true males. The stick insects [[moult|molt]] and may eat the shed skin. By the sixth molt the stick insect will lay eggs.
== Notable species ==
One [[Australia]]n species, the [[Dryococelus australis|Lord Howe Island stick insect]], is now listed as critically endangered. It was believed extinct until its rediscovery on the rock known as [[Ball's Pyramid]]. There is a large effort in Australia to rear this species in captivity.
Females of the genus ''[[Phobaeticus]]'' are the world's longest insects, measuring up to 33 cm (13 in) from head to tip of abdomen.
Adult female ''[[Heteropteryx dilatata]]'' are likely to weigh up to 65 g, and captive bred specimens have been known to weigh in the order of 50 g.
The best known of the stick insects is the Indian or Laboratory stick insect (''[[Carausius morosus]]''). These insects grow to roughly 10 cm (4 inches). They reproduce parthenogenically and males are unrecorded, although part male part female gynandromorphs are relatively common.
==Breeding==
Stick insects are bred by using a light spray of water on the eggs and then waiting for them to hatch. A small paint brush is used to handle the young [[Nymph (biology)|nymphs]]. Breeders must take extreme care to ensure that no pools of water are left in the vicinity where they could drown.
==References==
* Cameron, Stephen L.; Barker, Stephen C. & Whiting, Michael F. (2006): Mitochondrial genomics and the new insect order Mantophasmatodea. ''Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution'' '''38''': 274–279. {{DOI|10.1016/j.ympev.2005.09.020}} (HTML abstract)
==External links==
* [http://phasmida.myspecies.info/ The Phasmid Study Group]
* [http://www.phasmatodea.org/ Phasmatodea.org]
* [http://www.phasmatodea.de/ Phasmatodea.de]
* [http://phasmida.orthoptera.org/ Phasmida Species File]
* [http://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/research/biosystematics/invertebrates/phasmatodea/ New Zealand Stick Insect Web Site]
* [http://lemondedesphasmes.free.fr/ Le Monde des Phasmes - The World of Phasmids]
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{{commonscat|Phasmatodea}}
[[Category:Insects]]
[[Category:Phasmatodea| ]]
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