Jungle Nymph

In the rainforests of Malaysia lives a unique species of stick insect. Commonly called Jungle Nymphs or Malayan wood nymphs, these massive phasmids produce some of the largest ova (eggs) in the insect world.

And although they begin life at only 1.5 inches (3.8 cm), adult females are one of the heaviest insects on the planet, and the heaviest of all stick insects. This young nymph has just hatched and is on its way to becoming a true giant. 

Nymphs can often be seen with their front legs held straight out to create the impression they are a twig. When threatened they drop to the ground with legs folded in to blend in with the twigs on the forest floor. There they will remain motionless until danger has passed. 

Phasmatodea is the order of insects that includes stick and leaf insects. These insects will always be found on or around their food plant of choice. As herbivores phasmids only eat plants and by doing so serve an important function within the ecosystem by reducing canopy cover thus allowing sunlight into lower levels, and enriching the soil with their defecation. 

Jungle Nymphs are mainly active at night. By day they hang in the shade making use of their camouflage, but once the sun goes down they are anxious to feed.

As the nymph grows its color and patterning change. This male is still a few molts from adulthood but already we can see the wings forming on his back. Female nymphs begin to turn green by this stage, making it very easy to distinguish their sex at a glance. Females will also have a noticeably wider abdomen and stockier build.

The different shades of tan and brown on this nymph help to break up its visual profile. This form of camouflage, known as disruptive coloration, makes it difficult to see its body as a single object. Against a background of similar colors the effect is intensified.

By this stage the nymph's exoskeleton is very hard and covered with small spikes to protect it from predators. As it continues to grow these spikes become more pronounced and potentially dangerous. 

In order to grow all invertebrates must shed their exoskeleton. In the case of Jungle Nymphs, the shed exoskeleton is consumed as the first meal after molt. 

The male nymph is now subadult and his budding wings have grown larger. As an adult they will lengthen to extend past the end of his abdomen and will be rimmed with a stripe of minty green. He will use them to fly when it is time to find a mate. The spikes on his body and legs are also larger to better discourage predators. 

The feet of the Jungle Nymph are equipped with hooks. This allows them to hang from plants without effort.

Male Jungle Nymphs are good at making short flights between branches. At 4 inches (10.2 cm) in length they are an impressive sight with wings extended. When unfolded the wings can be seen to be pink and feature a mosaic pattern of stripes. 

By this stage the Jungle Nymph's camouflage is very effective. It is easily mistake for part of the plant on which it hangs. Its ability to remain motionless enhances the effect. 

Here we see an adult female. What a massive insect! At 6 inches (15.2 cm) in length she is quite a sight to see, especially when in her threatening pose with rear legs raised. On the underside of her legs are spines similar in size and sharpness to rose thorns. She will use her powerful legs to strike at foes. 

Considering her ova (eggs) are over a third of an inch (.75 cm) long, it is understandable why she is so heavily built. She will deposit several ova in the soil each week, and well over 100 during her lifetime. Ova incubate for 8 to 20 months before hatching.

While striking out with her legs she will rustle her stubby wings creating a hissing sound. The combination of motion and sound is intended to startle potential predators. 

With her abdomen raised toward her enemy she snaps her strong legs like jaws to simulate a bite. This is not just for show. Her spines are capable of drawing blood! 

Her wings are much too small for flight so are limited to use during threat displays only. The inner wing is pink to bright red adding an additional flashy element to her display.