Thursday, September 11, 2008

Stick Around Long Enough And Something Interesting Is Bound To Come Your Way


Being a responsible adult is really cutting in to my photography time lately, but I did manage to find these walking sticks (Lookus likewoodus) creeping about the place. These twig twins have a defensive method you should know about should you decide to let one walk up your arm. When threatened they can release a brownish liquid that causes searing pain to the eyes ... that info comes direct from a UF entomologist with personal experience.
So be careful if you decide to handle one.


Sticktoitiveness.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm sure the mantis is praying for you to go away.

: )

Anonymous said...

We see these regularly at night in ENP-almost always "hooked up" like that. Guess they don't limit those activities to the dark of night!
Great close up btw.

SophieMae said...

Are you sure PFHQ isn't really the Love Shack? 8-} They really are fascinating creatures.

Doncha just hate it when real life cuts into your shootin' time?

Re yesterday's pics, is that the creek that runs behind the old Pat & Mac? I love that spot.

I saw that article about the game, as well. WTG, Junior!

R.Powers said...

Susan,
I feel somewhat the voyeur.

Anon,
Thanks. I've actually seen more walking sticks this year than in any I remember.

Sophie,
Oh it's a regular kinoodlefest around here.
This little creek is out in Gulf Hammock on the way to Goethe. It's usually very clear and I was struck by the deep dark tea that Fay created.
Thanks for the WTG for Junior ... I guess I need to go read that article now!

amarkonmywall said...

Cool bugs. I'm curious about the size difference. Is that just coincidence or is there some sexual dimorphism among walking sticks?

Anonymous said...

I told Dad about jr playing st joe he said he too wanted to go so let us know the dates when you find out

R.Powers said...

Vicki,
I think there is some serious SD in walking sticks.

Rick,
October 24, 6:30 pm at St. Joseph's Academy in St. Aug.
Great if you can make it!

kathy a. said...

we have had walking sticks turn up here in the past couple months, too. i have no idea if they belong around here, or if they are descendants of the ones my kids brought home from school 10 years ago.

MinorcanMeteorolgist said...

This was the second time I visited today, and just caught the pun in your title.
How do you come up with these things??

jojo said...

Thanks for the tip. i always thought they were harmless.. :(

jo

Miz S said...

I'm busy being a responsible adult, too! I think wistfully back on those recent days of sunemployment...

I love walking sticks! I did not know about the brownish liquid/searing pain so thanks for the heads up.

R.Powers said...

Kathy A,
I think we have some smaller varieties around here. I don't know how many species are native to the Southeast.

HT,
It's a sickness.

JOJO,
Just don't tick them off and they are pretty pleasant.
I can relate to that.

Miz S,
I don't know if other species have that defense or not. Best handle with care.