WALKING-STICKS— Family PHASMIDAE. 
In this family the body is very elongate, slender, and cylindri- 
cal; the head is exserted; the prothorax is very short, the meso- 
thorax and metathorax elongate; the legs are slender and alike in 
form. Tegmina and wings are lacking in all United States species. 
This family contains some of the most singular insects known, 
but is represented in New England by only two species, and these 
are relatively rare as compared with other Orthoptera. A variety 
of common names has been applied to the Phasmidae, due to their 
fantastic appearance, but " Walking-stick " is particularly apt and 
expressive, owing to their striking resemblance in form and color 
to twigs of shrubs or trees. Protected effectively by this resem- 
blance, the}' usually move slowly and remain motionless for long 
periods of time; some species have also a positive means of defence 
in the ability to eject an offensive spray or slime from special 
glands. Even the eggs simulate vegetal growths, closely resem- 
bling seeds. 
Another peculiarity of Walking-sticks is that the legs, if lost, 
may, under certain circumstances, be regenerated; an-d individuals 
exhibiting members in this process are not infrequently seen. 
Walking-sticks are purely herbivorous insects and are usually 
found on shrubs and trees or among grasses; yet a Brazilian species 
is reported to be aquatic, living in mountain streams, and taking 
refuge beneath stones when pursued. Though strictly vegetarian 
in diet, they only rarely multiply, even locally, to such an extent 
as to become seriously injurious to vegetation. 
Two papers by Caudell will prove of especial interest to stu- 
dents of the United States species of this family: viz., "The 
Phasmidae, or Walking sticks, of the United States," Proc. U. S. 
Nat. Mus., vol. 26, p. 863-885, 4 plates (1903); and "Notes on 
Nearctic Orthopterous Insects. I. Non-saltatorial forms, "ibid., 
vol. 44, p. 595-614 (1913). 
Key to New England Walking-sticks. 
(See Plate 1.3.) 
A. Cerci from above forceps-like, cur\-ing inward (PI. 1.3, fig. 22). Operculum 
(a spoon-shaped organ) beneath eighth abdominal segment Males. 
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