Stick insects are masters of camouflage and defense. They imitate branches, spray blinding chemicals, give off unpleasant odors, have spikes, change colors and even fake their own death. But despite all these defenses they are high susceptible to predators, and it is for this reason that they rarely build up enough critical mass to be form a plague.
However, they have had their moments, and in’63 a plague of stick insects descended on 650 square miles of forest in Southern Australia and stripped it bare. There have also been similar cases in the Pacific where coconut plantations have proved to be rich breeding grounds.
The rarity of a stick insect plague requires two main conditions: an absence of forest fires and a consistent climate. The steady climate supports the growth of the vegetation that stick insects feed on, and the lack of forest fires also allows this plant growth. Furthermore, a lack of forest fires allows stick insects populations to increase without the threat of mother nature.
If you have a pet stick insect you must be careful not to allow it to escape into the wild. The introduction of species into habitats where they do not naturally occur can cause an imbalance in the ecosystem. This type of imbalance could lead to a population surge and a plague.
Thus whilst stick insects face do have many predators (rats, birds, mammals, wasps etc.) they do sometimes breed and gather in sufficient numbers to form a plague. They can be devastating creatures. It’s an interesting thing to consider when you are next delicately handling your pet stick – unleashed in the wild as a plague theses can be creatures of mass destruction.
Learn more about exotic pets. Stop by this site where you can find out all about stick insects and more!
Related posts:
- Chicken Coop Plans – Reasons To Build a Poultry house A majority of people that breed chickens do not actually understand the importance of a poultry house. This article will explain the main reasons why you should use chicken coop plans to build the perfect home for your livestock....
- Raising and Feeding Pigs on a Farm Pigs need lots of food to be healthy. A diet that is rich in energy and supplemented with plenty of protein is recommended and wholesome to maintain healthy growth of your pig. A pig can not be called a pig unless it loves its food. Expect your pig to eat all it's food with enthusiasm and when done it is not uncommon for them to seek even more food. However, be careful of your pig being always focused on the thought of eating food, it does not mean you submit to its obsession. There is a carefully balanced pattern of...
- Your Guide To Buying A Scorpion There are approximately 1,500 different scorpion species in the world, and they roam terrains as diverse as rain forests and deserts. But when it comes to choosing one as a pet you choices are rather more limited, and the most likely species that you will find in your local pet store are: Gold Scorpions, African Burrowing Scorpions, Bark Scorpions, Asian Forest Scorpions, Flat Rock Scorpions, Emperor Scorpions and Giant Hairy Scorpions....
- A Few Wild Animals – Residing Among Us And Abroad: An Overview There are a number of wild animals - living among us and abroad. Studying about the wild animals who live in the USA and other countries is quite interesting....
- Purchasing An Outdoor Aviary Possessing an outdoor aviary is the ultimate area for your birds to live. Just about any shape of outdoor aviary is acceptable; nevertheless, some aficionados fear that a round outdoor aviary isn't as suited as a rectangular or square style. How frequently must you sterilize the outdoor aviary? It demands the expected upkeep of mopping and cleaning to exonerate built up waste. It is suggested to clean it no less than two to 3 times weekly....