newtoyou Loc: Eastport

So much so that some have changed since last molt.
They are now large enough to keep track of (read, see easily), dispite the camoflage.
There looks to be wings on two, and much longer antenna.
The body shape is slimmer, narrower. I have a feeling they are male.
One specimen is much wider, still short antenna. A female?
Time will tell.
Males are reportedly not needed, as the females are parthenogenic and sexually capable of breeding.
If un-bred the progeny would be all parthenogenic females.
If bred, progeny would be male and female.
The following pictures are not all macro. Insects too large now.
But see the ones of the face and eyes.
Take care, all.
Bill

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tinusbum Loc: east texas

very interesting critter,never seen one in person

Mark Sturtevant Loc: Grand Blanc, MI

Very cool! I did not know about the dimorphism thing with these critters.

sippyjug104 Loc: Missouri

Bill, this is an excellent series of photos and educational narrative. I have yet to see these and they are a true wonder of nature. You are doing a great job of rearing them and thanks ever so much for sharing their progress with us.

EnglishBrenda Loc: Kent, England

It is interesting to see all aspects of them through your images at different angles. No doubt about them being leaf mimics, well done.

newtoyou Loc: Eastport

Gary.
These grow more Interesting as they develope.
My only experience with this type of insect was with the very large, six inches and 'bulky', spiny species the Smithsonian had in 1980 at the "Bug Zoo" in the Museum of Natural History.
I gave them two breeding pair of Dynastes tityus.
I was given about a dozen eggs.
I made pin specimens of all of the ones I reared.
The current specimens are new to me.
With any luck, I will get a colony of these going.
Then I may be able to offer eggs and preserved specimens to fellow UHH members.
Spring taking it's time here. Realy doesn't matter. The world is on hold. Good time to be retired. I feel for those who are struggling to make ends meet.
Endever to persevere.
Bill

newtoyou Loc: Eastport

Not only leaf mimics, Brenda.
But on the roses I have been feeding them, they are especially cryptic, the serrations on the abdomen mimic the serrated leaf edges. To add to that, notice the way some leaves 'droop'?
The insect mimics this, too.
I must be very careful when cleaning. It would be easy to overlook one and discard it.
Another trait. Disturb them, either by blowing into the rose cuttings or a bright light and they will sway, similarly to a leaf in a light breeze. That gives them away.
Soon, I will make some 12 inch cubes so wood strips and screen.
They will do better by themselves. And they will be possibly five to six inches long. Females. I believe the narrow body, long antenna bearing ones are male. Done growing. Time will tell. Worse come to worse, I will have pin specimens.
Dinner ready. Crab soup, homemade,and crisp bread.
Night, all
Bill

EnglishBrenda Loc: Kent, England

Thanks for that information Bill, these creatures sound amazing in their adaptations. You must spend a lot of time and effort getting the environment right for them so you have my admiration. Crab soup - that is one we haven't made although we do make soup frequently but mainly vegetable ones or chicken. Keep safe all of you. Brenda

napabob Loc: Napa CA

coolio, have never had the privilege...........