Possible Leaf Insect in Huatalco, Mexico
March 30, 2010
During a Central American cruise at the end of March, we encountered this beauty. Our best guess would be some sort of leaf insect. It was about 4 inches long and after a gentle proding with a stick, it exposed mantis like wings and flew a short distance, only to attempt to camouflage itself again. Being from Illinois, we have encountered many walking sticks and mantisis but coming across this guy was a real treat! Any help would be great.
Rob & Chris F.
Huatulco, Mexico
Hi Rob and Chris,
We aren’t certain if this is a Phasmid or Walkingstick, or if it is a Katydid. We will pester Piotr Naskrecki for the fourth time in two days for assistance.
Piotr Naskrecki writes right back
Hi Daniel,
This is Prisopus sp., a phasmid of the family Prisopodidae. There are 18
species in the genus, all rather similar.
Cheers,
Piotr