The Common Walkingstick is a long, slender, twig-mimicking insect that is virtually invisible when motionless among oak branches. It is the only common stick insect in the eastern US, sometimes reaching outbreak densities that cause audible leaf-shredding in oak forests. Unlike most insects its eggs have a fatty 'elaiosome' attachment that ants carry underground, aiding seed-like dispersal.
Best time to see a Common Walkingstick
The best time to see a Common Walkingstick is August–September, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 10,420 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Common Walkingstick? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Common Walkingstick sightings near you
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