Phasmid or "walking stick" - Bacillus atticus cyprius Uvarov, 1936 - Endemic Subspecies of Cyprus

Order: Phasmatodea
Family: Bacillidae
Endemic Subspecies of Cyprus

Bacillus atticus is a species of phasmid or "walking stick" with recorded specimens in Greece, Italy, Croatia and Israel. In Cyprus, the endemic subspecies Bacillus atticus cyprius is present. Both can often be found climbing on plants.

Description

Adults have a slim body about 80 mm long, with a stripe on each side. Their antennae are red and short. The forelegs are strong, around 50 mm long, painted red at their base.

Behaviour

Bacillus atticus is mostly active at night, when it feeds. The usual foods of this species are plants such as ivy and lettuce. During the day, the animal stays absolutely still, camouflaged as a stick, matching the color of the plant that it's on. If disturbed, its main defense is to feign death. Like many phasmids it is parthenogenetic so it can reproduce on its own by laying eggs. The eggs are ovoid-shaped with some distinguishable glyphics around them and a sponge-like shape on the top. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.



Photos at Tala, 27/1/2016 by Michael Hadjiconstantis

Many Thanks to Brian Taylor, who help us locate the species. 

Photos 27/1/2016 by George Konstantinou