About Dobson's Stick Insect
New Zealand's most common stick insect, found in gardens and native bush throughout the country. It ranges from bright green to brown. Some populations are entirely female and parthenogenetic.
Did You Know?
It was accidentally introduced to the United Kingdom via imported plants and now has established populations in southwest England.
How to Identify Dobson's Stick Insect
Dobson's Stick Insect (Clitarchus hookeri) belongs to the order Phasmatodea, family Phasmatidae. Adults typically measure 80-100mm.
Dobson's Stick Insect Habitat
Dobson's Stick Insect is found in gardens habitats, particularly across Oceania. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Dobson's Stick Insect Diet and Feeding
Dobson's Stick Insect is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.
Where Is Dobson's Stick Insect Found?
Dobson's Stick Insect can be found in Oceania, where it inhabits gardens environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Dobson's Stick Insect can be found
Is Dobson's Stick Insect Dangerous?
Dobson's Stick Insect is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Dobson's Stick Insect Role in Nature
Dobson's Stick Insect is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Dobson's Stick Insect
What does Dobson's Stick Insect look like?
The Dobson's Stick Insect typically measures 80-100mm.
Where is Dobson's Stick Insect found?
The Dobson's Stick Insect is found in Oceania and typically inhabits gardens environments.
What does Dobson's Stick Insect eat?
The Dobson's Stick Insect feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Dobson's Stick Insect dangerous to humans?
The Dobson's Stick Insect is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Dobson's Stick Insect?
It was accidentally introduced to the United Kingdom via imported plants and now has established populations in southwest England.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Dobson's Stick Insect (Clitarchus hookeri). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/dobsons-stick-insect
MLA:
"Dobson's Stick Insect." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/dobsons-stick-insect.