phasmid

insect order

Also known as: Cheleutoptera, Phasmatodea, Phasmatoptera, Phasmida(Show More)

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Last updated

June 22, 2026

Quick Summary

Phasmids, also known as stick insects or phasmids, are an order of insects (Phasmatodea or Phasmida) that are typically large, cylindrical, and primarily tropical. They are characterized by their long legs and phytophagous (plant-eating) habits, with very slight metamorphosis. Many phasmids have a remarkable ability to resemble leaves or twigs, providing them with camouflage. The family Phasmatidae specifically includes stick insects, which have a long, cylindrical body that resembles a stick.123

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insect
Annotated classification
Order Phasmida (Phasmatoptera; stick and leaf insects) Often wingless; when winged, tegmina often shorter than wings; all legs similar, adapted for walking; mandibulate mouthparts; no tympanum; female ovipositor short, often concealed. Order Orthoptera
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Order Phasmida (Phasmatoptera; stick and leaf insects) Often wingless; when winged, tegmina often shorter than wings; all legs similar, adapted for walking; mandibulate mouthparts; no tympanum; female ovipositor short, often concealed. Order Orthoptera
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