Riker Mounted Java Giant Stick Insect

Paracyphocrania Major

For something this big, it’s surprising that its claim to fame is its ability to blend into its surroundings and seemingly disappear. Well, that’s exactly what the Java Giant Stick Insect does. This leafy-looking giant can disappear perfectly among the branches of its home forest, earning it the title of Houdini of the insect world. They even sway with the wind to make a more convincing branch as they meld into the world around them. This clever “tree impersonation” helps them avoid being spotted by predators.

Females can reach an impressive 8 to 12 inches in length, which is huge for a stick insect. These are gentle giants of the insect world, mostly herbivores that prefer to snack on their leafy cover as they sneak around the jungle. It’s like Tom Cruise nibbling the rope in Mission Impossible right before the hanging vault scene. Honestly, that scene should have included him doing that.