Australian Walking Stick Insects Are Three Times Weirder Than You Think | Deep Look

The Australian walking stick is a master of deception, but a twig is just one of its many disguises. Before it’s even born, it mimics a seed. In its youth it looks and acts like an ant. Only when it has grown up does it settle into its final, leafy form. Along the way, it fools predators at every turn.
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DEEP LOOK is an ultra-HD (4K) short video series created by KQED San Francisco and presented by PBS Digital Studios. See the unseen at the very edge of our visible world. Explore big scientific mysteries by going incredibly small.
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The Australian walking stick (Extatosoma tiaratum) does an amazingly convincing job of looking like a dead leafy branch. Also known as the spiny leaf insect, giant prickly stick insect, or Macleay’s spectre, it has a few extra tricks up its “leaves.”
Even before it is born, it begins a lifetime of deception. The egg looks like a seed that has fallen to the forest floor, with a fatty knob on one end that is irresistible to some foraging ants. These ants take the egg to their underground nest, where they snack on the nutritious cap, leaving the rest of the egg intact. Over the next few months to a year, the egg is protected underground from predators and develops in the humid, climate-controlled ant burrow.
The young insect emerges from the ant nest wearing its next disguise - a red-headed spider ant. This species of ant (Leptomyrmex erythrocephalus) forages for food alone, and are about the same size as the stick insect nymph. Also the newborn nymph moves quickly, just like the ants do.
The nymph quickly makes its way into the safety of the trees, and begins to molt. Then, as it matures into adulthood, the Australian stick insect activates its plant costume, using passive camouflage. During these phases, it sways back-and-forth as it walks. Researchers call this imitation of leaves blowing in the wind “active camouflage."
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- Do Australian walking stick insects need to mate to have offspring?
Amazingly, they do not! Like many walking sticks, if no males are around, a female Australian walking stick insect may reproduce, and lay fertile eggs alone. This process is called parthenogenesis, and the offspring are genetic clones of their mothers.
- Can Australian walking sticks fly?
Adult males do have functional wings they can use to glide away from threatening situations.
- How long do Australian walking sticks live?
Australian walking sticks live an average of 12 months, but may live longer in captivity. Between hatching and adulthood, they undergo six moults. The wings on adult males only appear after the final moult.
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---+ Find additional resources and a transcript on KQED Science:
www.kqed.org/science/1978180/...
---+ More great Deep Look episodes:
These Giant Leaf Insects Will Sway Your Heart | Deep Look
• These Giant Leaf Insec...
Walking Sticks Stop, Drop and Clone to Survive | Deep Look
• Walking Sticks Stop, D...
Kidnapper Ants Steal Other Ants' Babies - And Brainwash Them | Deep Look
• Kidnapper Ants Steal O...
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#australianwalkingstick #stickinsects #deeplook

[@OJX.]

I love how these guys live their entire lives as imposters

[@XxZalllinIsBallinxX_THEREAL]

like AMO-

[@18.ismaelandremorenogonzal30]

kinda sus ngl

[@fahm8097]

I was thinking the same, but I was thinking it looks like some spy movies or movie where there are thieves with such plans. Now I get it, there's an imposter amogus

[@walkz007]

I was looking for the perfect way to phrase this🤣🤣👍

[@mayasabiniano178]

AMONGUS!

[@ilovebred1405]

"Red-headed spider ants taste like rotten coconut or bad cheese". Respect for the scientists who ate an ant just to describe the taste.

[@ev0wizard]

Lol right! I was wondering how would they know this lol

[@TheMegaNanometer]

they'd need to taste rotten coconut aswell to know what it tastes like

[@huzainijai1184]

@@TheMegaNanometer rotten coconut taste like funky sour + coconut. 😌

[@giddy7079]

some people eat insects, not that weird really. plus i'm guessing they've tested the chemicals inside the ant and have compared them to chemicals in other things.

[@ev0wizard]

All in the name of science

[@JordanDeanFilms]

As a long-time Deep Look fan, it was such a pleasure teaming up together for this episode. Love the way it turned out!

[@wasd6090]

How did you help? just asking.

[@EdgeRatedR007]

@@wasd6090 look at the credits

[@ahmetkerem4769]

It certainly is a pleasure to see you here, even more so to learn that you were involved in the making of this video. I will not be lying, the way I've first learned about _Leptomyrmex_ , or spider ants was by watching your video on them. Turns out with the second video that I've seen them being mentioned, it still had something to do with you. :D

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thanks Jordan! A sincere pleasure for us as well. :-)

[@KQEDDeepLook]

@@ahmetkerem4769 We reached out to Jordan precisely because he had already made such a great video on spider ants!

[@pliena3240]

I have 5 Spiny Leaf Insects in my terrarium at home and they are such interesting and gentle creatures 🥺😌

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Cool! Do they vary significantly in color?

[@Vamp1re000]

NICE

[@pliena3240]

@@KQEDDeepLook Mine are green now but they used to look pale turquoise with black spots before they were adults, they actually changed patterns multiple times before reaching adulthood

[@crackedemerald4930]

You must have good eyes

[@ingridc0ld]

Technically it's a vivarium not a terrarium

[@huldu]

How exactly does it manage to get out of the ant nest in one piece? I guess being around the ants for such a long time it got the scent of them and manages to just wander out?

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Good guess! That is one theory that scientists have - that they acquire the scent of the ant nest. They may also either mimic the smell of the ants, or they could even be chemically "invisible" - i.e. not smell like anything at all.

[@ryanduckering]

@@KQEDDeepLook I imagine that mechanism would be selected for VERY quickly in evolutionary terms.

[@ValeriePallaoro]

I thought about 'looking' like an ant enough to get away with it. But you're right, starting life in the nest means you end up smelling like the nest. And insects rarely attack anything that's already part of the nest, it's intruders that they attack. Outsiders trying to get in. After that, looking like an ant might be enough to get by. Good question.

[@bari2883]

This is just my theory after watching ants for a past time😉 but I think being in the nest like you said they are covered with the chemical trail set down by the ants. So when it’s time to make good and run flat out like a lizard drinking it has the chemical trail that the ants recognise. If you watch a trail of ants and then take a few from the trail wash the scent off they don’t know where to go and can be observed going round and round in circles trying to track a scent.

[@mark6302]

being ants the stick probably makes a pheromone that make the ants think its one of them

[@tgnm9615]

Its crazy to think that the egg evolved for decades just to mimic the look of a seed. This is why nature is amazing

[@Eleftheria_i_thanatos]

I don't think you understand how evolution works.

[@Tinker1950]

"Decades" - you have no idea. As for evolution - I'm surprised you can spell it.

[@thehumanitarian99]

@@Tinker1950 chill out matey, he's just admiring nature.

[@ahmetkerem4769]

I'm pretty confident that it took considerably longer than the time interval one would usually call "decades".

[@Tinker1950]

@@thehumanitarian99 Oh, well. That's fine then. Within evolutionary time (say three decades) we'll have a world full of the stunned, the amazed - but knowledge bereft Dunning Krugers.

[@Guydude777]

While I'm sure having one crawl on me would be an uncomfortable experience, I can't help but be in awe at how COOL they are.

[@gracew2582]

Honestly they don't feel too bad, only when they drag their bellies on you and you can feel the spines! Their feet are so sticky though which can tickle

[@bari2883]

They often stay very still while holding them.

[@teethcoat4274]

One crawled onto me as I brushed past a bush, and honestly they feel nice. They're super chill and they basically can't hurt you. Edit: the one that hitched a ride on my shoulder was a stick insect, so it wasn't as spiky as a leaf insect, those could potentially give you a little scratch.

[@holygrailtheo1615]

they just tickle your hand theyre very cute

[@FlushGorgon]

@@holygrailtheo1615 So much for that "Everything tries to kill you in Australia" myth.

[@Formula_Zero_EX]

This ain’t no walking stick, this is a *WALKING PLANT*

[@jeromesuarez5293]

Ikr? XD

[@alveolate]

it's an entire walking halloween shop!

[@b0gdyb0ta]

What a beautiful video! The birds were like, "Hey, is this going to be on TV? Can we be in it?"

[@CaelaSephyra]

Absolutely adorable ! Love these insects so much. Their mimetism is astonishing.

[@mohamedaslam7809]

May I know what u find adorable in that insect?

[@CaelaSephyra]

@@mohamedaslam7809 The way it walks, its tiny body moving like a leaf to avoid being seen, the perfection of its curves and shape to imitate everything he needs to imitate... Nature and evolution's perfection in one small being, able to survive despite its weakness in the very first hours of its life. I see beauty in every creature, because life is truly amazing. Don't you agree ?

[@mohamedaslam7809]

@@CaelaSephyra yeah now I’m thinking about everything, that’s really beautiful I agree. At first I thought you’re referring to its face, which is definitely not adorable.

[@CaelaSephyra]

@@mohamedaslam7809 well, that's a point of view ;) beauty is a subjective concept !

[@mohamedaslam7809]

@@CaelaSephyra yep that’s true

[@reionj8816]

They are truly fascinating creatures!!

[@danielzvids]

It has been a while. Happy to see Deep Look back in 2022 😍 All best wishes to you guys! Thank you for always learning me new things about nature 🙏🏼

[@Frostyflytrap]

Oh my gosh, this brings me back to when I watched the documentary where David Attenborough showcased these off. The amount of mimicry involved in each of these morphs is such an astonishing feat for this animal!

[@FlushGorgon]

So much mimicry was involved... that it wasn't the real David Attenborough.

[@gracew2582]

Spiny Leaf insects are amazing to keep!! We affectionately call ours "Spinach leaves" 😂 We have 4 and 80+ eggs currently. They're so incredibly fascinating to watch and interact with. Praying mantids by far are my favourite insect to keep but these guys are a close second.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

That is awesome, Grace!

[@TheWanderingNight]

Love to see more Australian content in the future!

[@doorshadow4945]

Australians needed this haha

[@isaacagain]

@@doorshadow4945 crikey

[@rishimasinha3303]

I love how these creatures have emerged with such a unique disguise with all this cumulative evolutionary changes. And the best part we are able to witness all this just through a screen at our homes. Great work deep peeps ❤️❤️❤️ Love from India ✨❤️

[@micro7567]

evolutionary changes!! How evolution makes such disguise? can we experiment it and test such claim?

[@juanausensi499]

@@micro7567 Yes.

[@becausehelivees4672]

"But just because you can shapeshift from one form to another - and another - doesn't mean you don't know exactly what you are" -- DeepLook.. always the best..

[@XanMacatan]

To me personally. I LOVE DEEP LOOK!! I HAVE BEEN SUBSCRIBED FOR LIKE A YEAR NOW! THIS IS THE BEST NATURE CHANNEL!! 🌲🌲🌲🌲

[@CutestDemon]

"Making it look like a swaying leaf" The literal leaves right next to it: Motionless

[@lunakitty953]

I love these guys. We have a few different kinds of stick bugs. The best thing is you can pick them up, they are very friendly, so much so they will crawl right into your hand and they don't bite.

[@Vamp1re000]

This channel is epic I love it because it’s all about nature 😊

[@jcoludar]

In a broad scientific view, everything is nature, especially everything humans do - including all the BS - is pretty natural. A fair point though!

[@Vamp1re000]

@@jcoludar ok

[@thecommanderjb]

I used to have huge colonies of these stick insects as a kid and even had one of those white ones I still remember her name, Ombeline God I miss them

[@renatocann5142]

First new Deep Look of the year and it is a delight! Thanks as always for this killer channel :)

[@KQEDDeepLook]

You bet Renato!

[@annemariefisher1559]

That was great. We went camping last year and came across almost 4 inches long Walkingstick. He was incredible. We gently removed him off the side of the camper and placed him in a tree. Just another miracle of God.❤️

[@simmedevalmuniandy4033]

I really love this Deep Look team but it strikes me knowing this channel and the whole team is not known by most people and underappreciated although their contents guarantees such quality. Hope to see this team and this channel grow in future. Don't give up!

[@michaelmarquez6133]

They have almost 2 million subscribers, I wouldn't call that small potatoes exactly

[@neribuctuan865]

Thank you Deep Look for this wonderful videos about nature. With the pandemic right now it's impossible to connect with the wilderness.

[@mikeymoughtin]

Got me with the 'three times' it makes some specific assumptions, then actually delivers on them. Well done!

[@SableCatDog]

The end was weirdly validating out of nowhere. Thank you, Deep Look!

[@sydneymomma11]

A new deep look video! Always upvote first, then settle in with my tea. 😁

[@KQEDDeepLook]

You're the best!

[@tiptoppato3287]

This channel is one the reasons I'm trying to get into college to study biology! Such amazing and informative videos, impossible not to start loving biology.

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Great to hear! We need more enthusiastic biologists for sure. #inspo

[@mfollett3613]

I'd love to see more videos on Australian insects and also an Australian commentator to go with it. This was a great video. Thanks. ❤️

[@Inzar-Animations]

Thank god! I thought the baby is going eat ants to grow up instead he just runs away like a comedy plot.

[@koi.in.pond3149]

These insects are really cool! Always fascinated when I go to the bugarium that the zoo has here were I live.

[@rosegold973]

This is SO freakin cool omg 😩 I’m honestly amazed at this

[@kerronedwards6869]

Australian walking stick will be like this isn't even my final form

[@acoldhand]

I love them so much. They feel just like a weirdly heavy autumn leaf, too, when sitting on your hand. Was thrilled to see one of my favourite youtube channels uloaded a video about them.

[@vincentdelacruz2817]

Wow that insect is something

[@andrewmarthie5062]

Wait who tasted the ants? 😂

[@user-ep2sm3jm1o]

Wow... Fascinating... Just goes to show how beautifully complex nature is. It's perfect.

[@TheCratsky]

Saved one yesterday. This little twig with 6 legs was trying to cross the road and would've been crushed by incoming cars. Cute little guys.

[@godscommandmentsaretruthis2837]

1:12... aah yes... the wonders of that mindless process we call evolution... and it even comes with a "strategy"! 🙄

[@cj6498]

Fascinating how nature evolved these insects into such an intense multi-role of camouflage. Seed to ant to leaf, each so immaculately driven to the exact purpose of looking exactly like something else, but all in a single little life. That is amazing. Powerful.

[@deepjyotibhowmik3845]

Thank you for these videos, for revealing us these beautiful secrets of nature!! A perfect channel for all the wildlife enthusiasts out there!! 🙏

[@feelincrispy7053]

I’ve never seen one of these ones.. I have had a lot of stick insects fall on to my shoulder when outside though. Which most aussies have. They are the most chill insect. Will just happily sit with you and not bite or sting

[@javierpucheu6150]

I love your videos so much, the mix of the audio and great shots. You make this si entertaining

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thank you very much!

[@FangHuiTeh]

Been a long time subscriber, and still loving all deep look content! Every.Single.One is a real masterpiece! I have a question about nymph stage of the stick insect though: Do they have to sneak out of the nest stealthily, or are they able to fool the ants entirely? With similar phermones to the ants, and all that...etc.

[@nunyabiznes33]

They know what they are. They're a bug, pretending to be another bug, pretending to be another bug's meal.

[@nataliem715]

Awwww... the ending was so beautiful. I just adore this channel 🥰💕🐜

[@reionj8816]

DEEP LOOK, heyyy, it's been a while, missed y'all. Great way to start the year with interesting facts 10/10😁💯. It's how they can mimic, intelligent creatures.

[@Megadextrious]

There’s just something so endearing about stick bugs; like they just wanna chill, eat, and go unnoticed, as do I 😌

[@paulafigueiredo1745]

Thanks for the amazing video. Happy New Year Deep Look

[@paulmiddleton8699]

Excellent video the macro photography is superb. Thank you.

[@ImmersionImagery]

Love your videos! great research and video storytelling

[@louismensinger]

Okay this was FASCINATING!! Wow!! Seriously super interesting!!

[@tomahawk1556]

Thank You So Much DeepLook for another interesting & High Quality educational video! Love under 5 minutes video! 🌷🌿🌍💖

[@ArmyForTheAnimals]

What happens if there is no breeze? Then I'd think the stick would be pretty obvious movin' and grovin' around the leaves LOL.

[@rippedoffbadley]

I love my spiny leaf , goliath and crown stick insects, im getting a lot of eggs now they have all matured.

[@kylerae9196]

If an egg isn't picked up by ants, will it still hatch on the surface?

[@FrozentoDeath]

So many cool animal with so many curiosities :]

[@vardasmusic]

I also got Australian Stick Insects and they are so cool! They don't harm you and are very calm.

[@fruitypebbles986]

I swear this insect’s life cycle looks like a pokemon’s evolutionary line-

[@jackfreeman5599]

this channel shows some pretty interesting things don't it (AND I LOVE IT!)

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Thanks Jack!

[@ghoultooth]

Thankyou for bringing attention to such cool creatures, Deep Look!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Our pleasure!

[@LazyTallGuy]

Love the camera work on this one, seeing the ant climb up the tree was cool.

[@napatony5532]

I enjoy your films very much, VERY well narrated and shot.... you WILL AND SHOULD GO PLACES doing it like this... and of course, I LOVE BUGS!!!

[@blueberry_borb]

Wow! This is so fascinating. What a master of disguise!

[@SupPartyPeople]

Walking stick: been an imposter ever since I was an egg impersonating a grenade

[@kiraoshiro9251]

Wdym? I didn't see any walking stick. Only seeds ants and leaves..

[@Hanshuber161]

Hi! First off, I absolutely love the videos you guys make. After the live stream event that you guys did a while ago, I have gained newfound appreciation for these videos, as I now know how much effort goes into making them! You had briefly mentioned in the video that the adults taken on different appearances/looks once they are fully grown. But what determines if they will grow into lichen-looking adults or if they will grow into a brown dried leaf looking adult?

[@rendermanpro]

That shows how everything in nature connects and integrates, and if someone will do pesticides on ants or other species trying to change a nature it could affect others.

[@mldu1259]

Another nice video from deep look =)

[@justinjyeung]

Amazing, it's like we're witnessing real-life Pokemon evolution XD

[@Starfire5164]

I love the way of introducing the videos❤ new subscriber!

[@zweldijwons4990]

"But just because you can shape shift from one shape to another and another, doesn't mean you don't know what you are..." Love that quote ❤️

[@wegotthis3031]

Nature never ceases to amaze me!

[@swissmissinstantpiss8400]

the music in this one is immaculate, good job guys!

[@KETROSSI]

The insect’s that are showed are not only weird but also very cool

[@theminish8710]

So mesmerizing! Thanks for the amazing content as always

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Our pleasure Murilo!

[@goblez5900]

The generally accepted common name for this species is 'Spiny Leaf Insect'. I have never heard it referred to as 'Australian Walking Stick' before despite having owned, raised and bred them back when I was a boy.

[@johnnyonthespot4375]

I always love it when I am watching a video and suddenly I'll burble a "...Wooww". Thank you for all your work!

[@entropede]

This was so cool and interesting. Thank you!

[@uprightape100]

OK.......on the Mohs Weirdness Scale, these guys scratch a 10.

[@harumskarum3481]

The babies tumble around like toddlers. Awww.

[@jamiedean9475]

Great cinematography!

[@2ndchanceinlife]

Thanks Jordan Dean, this is an interesting video !

[@alveolate]

that soundtrack somehow managed to be both hilarious and ethereal... perfect for a funny-looking insect.

[@oneshotme]

Enjoyed your video and I gave it a Thumbs Up

[@vivianwilson1271]

A TRULY DELIGHTFUL COMMENTATOR AND COMMENTARY!!! ONE COMES ALIVE WHEN HEARING THE PROGRAMME!!!V.W.

[@Splarkszter]

Awesome. thanks for comming back. you are the best channel of PBS

[@KQEDDeepLook]

More to come! #inspo

[@bryanu1737]

This was very well done!

[@jennywithaglock3916]

so cool that i can look outside my window and see a valley of the same trees on my screen. our trees are so beautiful here

[@AbiNubli]

I got chuckle every time someone mention evolutionary strategy like something that a mere critter can control on a molecular level

[@daveblane6442]

MIND BLOWN!!

[@JoeMama-ll6bn]

Stick bug molts: “This isn’t even my final form!”

[@dingo1666]

Oh so cute. Especially the nymph.

[@nico.c97]

Oh, the puns! Great video! Stick insects are longer and skinnier where i live, but still cool as heck!

[@KQEDDeepLook]

Very cool!

[@morkovija]

That ending quote is gold

[@prattushdasgupta8887]

What a fine example of Batsian mimicry and camouflage as well.

[@moistnugget4147]

well that was fascinating. I have been fascinated

[@shinyeevee606]

I have a stick insect and while they can be a little unnerving sometimes I've grown to love them. They are like little aliens from outer space 😊

[@benjaminspannagel4327]

These are great. Take my subscription!