Subject: Bug in Pool
Location: La Quinta, CA
April 7, 2015 7:58 pm
I found this dead bug today, April 7, in my saltwater pool in La Quinta, CA. Its about 4 inches long and whitish in color, but don’t know if that’s from being dead or in the water. Do you know what this might be?
Signature: Donna
Dear Donna,
This is a Stick Insect or Walkingstick in the order Phasmida, but unfortunately we cannot say for certain if it is a native species or an introduced. The popularity of Walkingsticks in the pet industry has resulted in several nonnative species becoming naturalized in North America.
Very interesting. I thought it might be, but the body is much thicker, shorter and white compared to the thinner, longer and greener ones I’ve seen in New Jersey. Thank you very much for your expert help:)