Giant Spiny Stick Insects - Eurycantha calcarata

This is a dramatic ground-dwelling species of stick insect from Papua New Guinea. The males have very large spines on the femur of their hindmost legs. When disturbed, he will assume a defensive position, lifting his abdomen and one or both rear legs high then quickly clamp them together if anything comes close.

Although they can sometimes show aggression it is not always the case as often they do not mind being handled.