Insect Fact or Fiction?

A foreign species of walkingstick from Belize is invading Texas.

FICTION.

An e-mail circulating with a "friendly warning" to be on the lookout for a foreign species of walkingstick that is invading Texas is not true.
Read the email.

The e-mail alerts the recipient to be aware of a walkingstick named Anisomorpha monstrosa imported from Belize. Allegedly, this insect can cause blindness to humans and animals by shooting a stream of venom into the eyes of its attacker, in this case a too-curious dog named Megan.

According to Dr. John Jackman, Extension Entomology Specialist with Texas A&M University Department of Entomology, a native species, Anisomorpha buprestoides, is most likely being mistaken for the foreign species.  "There are no confirmed instances of any foreign species of walkingstick in Texas. The e-mail says that the identification was made by someone in the Entomology Department at Texas A&M but this has not been confirmed. I have not found anyone who did such an identification. " 

However, Jackman notes that if disturbed the native species, A. buprestoides, is reported to be capable of causing temporary eye injury in one study.  Furthermore, we have had a few contacts from the public that provided testimonials that they have been sprayed with a caustic substance or were even temporarily blinded. The entomologist advises, "The best thing to do if you encounter a walkingstick is to leave it alone. "

How did this rumor get started?  According to Jackman, "Many times people who come in contact with a curious-looking insect, such as a walkingstick, will compare it to a picture in a book or on the Web and, without an expert opinion, make an incorrect identification. They tell other people and before you know it a rumor such as this one starts.  Once started a rumor takes up a lot of time and energy to explain away. "

The walkingstick is a member of the insect order Phasmida. These slow-moving "phasmids," have long stick-like bodies and are easily camouflaged in woody plants because of their resemblance to twigs.  Most walkingsticks are about 4 inches long, but one Texas species is almost 7 inches long. Walkingsticks feed on leaves of many trees including oak, pecan, and other woody plants.

For more information about the walkingstick or other insects, contact us by e-mail or by phone at 979.845.7026

Story by Neal Lee