About Lord Howe Island Stick Insect
Once thought extinct after rats were introduced in 1918, a tiny population was rediscovered in 2001 on Balls Pyramid, a volcanic sea stack 23 km from Lord Howe Island.
Did You Know?
Fewer than 30 individuals were found clinging to a single bush on a barren sea stack — making this the rarest insect rediscovery in history. Captive breeding saved the species.
How to Identify Lord Howe Island Stick Insect
Lord Howe Island Stick Insect (Dryococelus australis) belongs to the order Phasmatodea, family Phasmatidae. Adults typically measure 120-150 mm.
Lord Howe Island Stick Insect Habitat
Lord Howe Island Stick Insect is found in heathland habitats, particularly across Oceania. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Lord Howe Island Stick Insect Diet and Feeding
Lord Howe Island 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 Lord Howe Island Stick Insect Found?
Lord Howe Island Stick Insect can be found in Oceania, where it inhabits heathland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Lord Howe Island Stick Insect can be found
Is Lord Howe Island Stick Insect Dangerous?
Lord Howe Island 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.
Lord Howe Island Stick Insect Role in Nature
Lord Howe Island 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 Lord Howe Island Stick Insect
What does Lord Howe Island Stick Insect look like?
The Lord Howe Island Stick Insect typically measures 120-150 mm.
Where is Lord Howe Island Stick Insect found?
The Lord Howe Island Stick Insect is found in Oceania and typically inhabits heathland environments.
What does Lord Howe Island Stick Insect eat?
The Lord Howe Island Stick Insect feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Lord Howe Island Stick Insect dangerous to humans?
The Lord Howe Island Stick Insect is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Lord Howe Island Stick Insect endangered?
The Lord Howe Island Stick Insect is currently classified as Critically Endangered by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Lord Howe Island Stick Insect?
Fewer than 30 individuals were found clinging to a single bush on a barren sea stack — making this the rarest insect rediscovery in history. Captive breeding saved the species.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Lord Howe Island Stick Insect (Dryococelus australis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/lord-howe-island-stick-insect
MLA:
"Lord Howe Island Stick Insect." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/lord-howe-island-stick-insect.