LONGEST INSECT : Genus Pharnacia

Genus Pharnacia is the Greek name of the stick insect, which is the longest insect in the world. These insects are experts in blending in with the foliage. The stick insects are at rest during the day and it is in the nighttime that they carry out their work. The male species grow wings and fly towards light, which they are attracted to. They are very good at flying and can fly longer and higher distances. The male genus pharnacia or some other species of it develop wings and the make flights to greater heights. They have legs which are as thin as sticks and their legs are spaced apart with the thorax being elongated. Their eggs are too small like the seeds and they throw them to the ground. They hatch themselves by the warmth of the soil. When the eggs are hatched small genus keep climbing to the foliage to gather their food. They are like sticks and keep crawling on the leaves and bushes of the plantation. They are considered to be the longest amongst all the insects with a length of about 12 inches or even more.
They keep moving in the day time, and sleep at night. Their spines are quite interesting and are a topic of medical study.

This species belongs to the Ecuadorian group, which are day time insects. The lining of the thorax is worth viewing and has been an interesting topic of study for the researchers. Their foliage helps them to defend themselves. They are so light in weight that they are swayed by the breeze. If the breeze is too harsh they lose their leg appendages several times. But if their legs are broken they regrow them again at their own pace. If they lose their legs then they fall down to the ground and their legs form a long stick like structure. The front legs have a red colored indentation which is designed so as to go in unison with the head which is quite thick while both the legs are held forward.

Generally female insects lack wings and stay local. They don’t move to far and distant places. But in certain species this lack of movement causes degradation of certain food plants as the insect stays there for longer time causing damage to the plantation where it resides. These insects cause patrogenesis. It is strange that even if a male is not available to fertilize the eggs, the female off-springs will still be produced!! These male bugs have wings and they can fly and hence can have the off-springs to distant places while the females are stagnant at only one place of birth. Males and females stay together for long time while they copulate to ensure better progeny. Mixed breeds are produced which have different colors. Even colors can be changed as and when required. They stay in light colors during day time and change their color to dark during night. Their color pigments are generally red and black.