Ctenomorpha marginipennis

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Ctenomorpha marginipennis, the margin-winged stick insect, is a species found only in southern Australia. It can grow up to about 20 cm long. Males are slim and fully winged, able to fly. Females are larger, with smaller wings and blackish hindwings. The body is mostly blackish green, with light pinkish-brown legs and head; the legs have small teeth.

This insect mimics a twig and blends in with eucalyptus branches, helping it hide from predators. It is common in heathlands and woodlands along the southern coast from Queensland to Victoria, preferring coastal areas.

Key features include extremely long cerci and eggs that look like seeds. Eggs are about 3 mm long and elliptical. After being laid, eggs drop to the soil, where an ant-attracting capitellum brings them to ants’ nests to hatch. The species is parthenogenetic, meaning females can reproduce without males.

C. marginipennis feeds on eucalyptus leaves and other trees.