Background

Stick insects, also known as “walking sticks” or “leaf insects,” are fascinating creatures highly adapted to their environment. In Guadeloupe, these insects stand out for their remarkable ability to blend into vegetation through mimicry. Stick insects are primarily nocturnal and feed on leaves. They play an important role in the local ecosystem by contributing to nutrient cycling.

In Guadeloupe, several species of stick insects have been identified, each displaying distinct characteristics and behaviors. They are often difficult to observe due to their exceptional camouflage.

Description

Stick insects of Guadeloupe occur in various forms, but all share an appearance that perfectly imitates branches, leaves, or twigs, enabling them to go unnoticed by predators. Their size varies depending on the species, ranging from just a few centimeters to over 20 cm for the largest species. They have elongated, slender bodies with thin, extended legs that enhance their resemblance to vegetation.

Like other members of their order, Guadeloupe stick insects have a life cycle consisting of three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Some species reproduce by parthenogenesis (asexual reproduction), meaning females can produce viable eggs without mating.

Stick Insect Species in Guadeloupe

Here are the main species of stick insects found in Guadeloupe:

1. Donskoff’s Stick Insect (Bacteria donskoffi)
   
   • Description: Characterized by a long, slender body with a generally brown or gray coloration. Its particularly elongated legs enhance its ability to mimic tree branches.
   • Habitat: Found mainly in Guadeloupe’s tropical rainforests.
2. Branch Stick Insect (Bacteria ferula)
   
   • Description: Also known as the branch stick insect, this species effectively mimics tree branches. Its coloration is often dark brown or olive green with bark-like patterns.
   • Habitat: Common in dense forests and areas with lush vegetation.
3. Orange-cheeked Stick Insect (Clonistria guadeloupensis)
   
   • Description: Recognizable by its bright orange “cheeks,” contrasting with the rest of its usually brown or green body. This colorful marking is a distinctive trait of the species.
   • Habitat: Found in Guadeloupe’s mountain forests and wooded areas.
4. Giant Stick Insect (Diapherodes angulata)
   
   • Description: One of the largest stick insects in Guadeloupe, reaching up to 20 cm in length. It has a massive appearance with dark brown coloration and bark-like patterns.
   • Habitat: Prefers tropical rainforests and areas with dense vegetation.
5. Lethargic Lamponius (Lamponius lethargicus)
   
   • Description: Typically brown or green with patterns imitating small branches or twigs. It is notable for its extremely calm behavior.
   • Habitat: Found in secondary forests and transitional forest zones.
6. Guérin’s Lamponius (Lamponius guerini)
   
   • Description: A medium-sized species, usually brown or green, with vestigial wings and coloration that aids camouflage.
   • Habitat: Present in secondary forests and wooded areas of Guadeloupe.
7. Black-cheeked Stick Insect (Paraclonistria nigramala)
   
   • Description: Distinguished by its black cheeks contrasting with the rest of its generally brown or green body. Its morphology effectively mimics branches and leaves.
   • Habitat: Found mainly in tropical rainforests and wooded areas.
8. Canopy Stick Insect (Melophasma antillarum)
   
   • Description: Adapted to life in the forest canopy, this species displays coloration ranging from green to brown, with a morphology suited for blending among leaves.
   • Habitat: Prefers high-altitude forests and canopy zones.

Habitat

Stick insects in Guadeloupe occupy a variety of habitats on the island, depending on the species. Most prefer tropical rainforests, where dense vegetation provides ample opportunities for camouflage. Others, such as Anisomorpha buprestoides, are more adaptable and can be found in drier or degraded habitats.

They are primarily nocturnal, spending the day motionless while mimicking their surroundings. At night, they become active and feed on leaves, thereby contributing to vegetation regulation and the decomposition of plant matter.

Mode de Vie

1. Reproduction:
   Like their counterparts in other regions, Guadeloupe stick insects may reproduce through parthenogenesis. Females deposit their eggs on the ground or drop them from trees. The eggs can remain dormant for several months before hatching.
2. Diet:
   Stick insects feed primarily on the leaves of various plants. Their diet is strictly herbivorous, and some species may specialize in certain local plants. Their feeding behavior contributes to nutrient cycling within the forest ecosystem.
3. Defense:
   In addition to their exceptional camouflage, some species, such as Anisomorpha buprestoides, possess chemical defense mechanisms, including the ability to secrete an irritating liquid to deter predators.

Importance and Threats

Stick insects play an essential role in Guadeloupe’s ecosystem by contributing to the decomposition of plant matter and regulating plant growth. Their presence is also an indicator of the health of forest ecosystems.

However, like many insect species, stick insects are vulnerable to environmental changes such as deforestation, urbanization, and climate change. The loss of their natural habitat represents the greatest threat to their survival. Preserving Guadeloupe’s tropical forests is therefore crucial to protecting these fascinating insects.

Source

ob_0e5003_phasmes-de-guadeloupe-une-synthe-se.pdf (over-blog-kiwi.com)

Phasmes de la Guadeloupe [Le Monde des Phasmes / The World of Phasmids (Leaf and Stick insects)] (free.fr)

2022_fiches_insectes_aeva.pdf (guadeloupe-parcnational.fr)