Acanthoxyla prasina, commonly known as the prickly stick insect, is a stick insect species in the order Phasmatodea and family Phasmatidae. It is native to New Zealand, where it occurs throughout the country, although it is less frequently observed than the more common stick insect species. The species has also been introduced to Britain, especially in Cornwall and Devon, and to the south-west of the Republic of Ireland. Its thorn-covered body provides effective camouflage among foliage.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Prickly Stick Insect being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Acanthoxyla geisovii
- Acanthoxyla inermis
- Micrarchus hystriculeus
- Niveaphasma annulatum
- Argosarchus horridus
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Phasmida
- Family
- Phasmatidae
- Genus
- Acanthoxyla
- Species
- Acanthoxyla prasina
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