Eurycnema goliath

Taxobox
name = Goliath stick insect


image_width = 200px
image_caption = "Goliath free drawn adult"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Arthropoda
classis = Insecta
subclassis = Pterygota
infraclassis = Neoptera
superordo = Phasmatinae
ordo = Phasmatodea
subordo = Verophasmatodea
superfamilia = Anareolatae
familia = Phasmatidae
genus = "Eurycnema"
genus_authority = Audinet-Serville, 1838
species = "E. goliath"
binomial = "Eurycnema goliath"
binomial_authority = (Gray, 1834)

The Goliath stick insect ("Eurycnema goliath") is the second largest stick insect (after the Titan stick insect) in Australia.

Identification

Both sexes of the Goliath stick insect are apple green with hints of gold, purple, red and yellow. Colourful patterns on the wings of the goliath are used as a defence tactic in order to ward of predators. The females can reach lengths of up to 20cm.

Habitat

The Goliath stick insect can be found thoughout Australia except for the Northern Territory and Victoria. Goliath stick insects are extremely hard to find due to their camouflage.

Gallery