# Common walkingstick (Diapheromera femorata) > A slender, stick-like leaf-eating insect of eastern North America that relies on camouflage and is harmless to humans. Source: https://insectscanner.com/species/common-walkingstick/ (updated 2026-10-10) ## Is it dangerous? **Non-toxic.** Not venomous and not aggressive. They do not sting; a rare pinch from the mandibles can cause a minor, momentary nip but no lasting harm. Handle gently to avoid stressing or injuring the insect. **Pets:** Generally harmless to pets. Pets that chew or eat insects can occasionally get mild stomach upset; avoid allowing pets to eat large numbers of any wild insect. ## Quick facts - Scientific name: Diapheromera femorata - Also called: Northern walkingstick, Stick insect - Order: Phasmatodea (Stick insects and leaf insects) - Family: Diapheromeridae (Diapheromerid stick insects) - Size: About 7-10 cm body length (females larger) - Colours: Brown, Tan, Olive green - Habitat: Deciduous woodlands, forest edges, hedgerows and gardens with shrubs and trees - Range: Eastern and central North America, from southern Canada through much of the eastern United States - Active: Mainly active in summer (June to August); primarily nocturnal but may be seen by day - Lifespan: Adults live weeks to a few months; species is univoltine with eggs overwintering - Effect on plants: Defoliator (usually minor) - Pest: no ## Overview Diapheromera femorata is a medium-sized stick insect found across much of eastern North America. Adults are slow-moving, sticklike herbivores that feed on the leaves of deciduous trees and shrubs. They depend on excellent camouflage to avoid birds and other predators. Females are generally larger and heavier-bodied than males and lay eggs in leaf litter or on the ground where they overwinter and hatch the following spring or early summer. ## How to identify it Adults are elongated and cylindrical, resembling a twig or small branch. They lack functional wings and have long, slender legs. Males are more slender and usually smaller than females. The head is small with chewing mouthparts; antennae are long and thread-like, about two-thirds of the body length. Nymphs resemble miniature adults and become progressively larger through several molts. - Long, stick-like body with no functional wings and very slender legs - Cryptic brown, tan or olive-green coloration matching twigs and stems - Females noticeably stouter and larger than males - Slow, swaying motion when disturbed (mimics a twig in the breeze) ## Lookalikes - **Two-striped walkingstick** (Anisomorpha buprestoides): Two-striped walkingstick is shorter, broader and can spray a defensive chemical; Diapheromera femorata is more slender and lacks this spray. - **Giant walkingstick** (Megaphasma denticrus): Much larger (often 12-15 cm or more) and found mainly in the central and southern United States; D. femorata is smaller and more slender. - **Indian stick insect (commonly kept pet)** (Carausius morosus): Carausius morosus (often captive) is smaller and usually a uniform green or brown and is not native to North America; D. femorata is native and typically larger. ## Life cycle - **Egg:** Females drop eggs from the tree canopy onto the leaf litter below. Eggs overwinter and hatch in spring to early summer. - **Nymph (juvenile):** Nymphs resemble small adults and go through multiple molts, gradually increasing in size until maturity. - **Adult:** Wingless adults appear in mid to late summer; adults mate and females lay eggs before dying by the end of the season. ## Diet and predators - Young eat: Leaves of deciduous trees and shrubs (same host plants as adults) - Adults eat: Leaves of oak, maple, hazel, cherry and other deciduous woody plants - Predators of the young: Birds, small mammals, predatory insects and spiders - Predators of adults: Birds, small mammals, predatory wasps and opportunistic predators; camouflage is the primary defense ## Effect on plants and gardens Feeds on leaves of deciduous trees and shrubs such as oak, maple, hazel, cherry and others. Small populations cause little damage; localized outbreaks can cause noticeable defoliation but rarely kill healthy mature trees. ## Where and when to find it Look on the foliage of deciduous trees and shrubs, at night on leaves and branches; eggs are in leaf litter on the forest floor. - Best time: June to August; nighttime or early morning for easier spotting. - Tips: Search slowly and look for a sticklike silhouette along twigs and stems. Use a flashlight at night and scan foliage methodically; photographing from several angles helps show the body outline against branches. ## Fun facts - Walkingsticks are masters of camouflage and often align their bodies with twigs and stems to avoid detection. - Females simply drop their seed-like eggs from the treetops; during outbreaks the falling eggs can sound like light rain. - They are primarily nocturnal feeders — daytime sightings often reveal their excellent disguise rather than active movement. ## Frequently asked questions ### Do walkingsticks bite? They have chewing mouthparts but are not aggressive; a rare bite might pinch but is not venomous and causes no medical concern. ### Are common walkingsticks harmful to my trees? Small populations usually cause little harm. Large localized outbreaks can cause noticeable defoliation but rarely kill healthy mature trees. ### Why is a walkingstick in my house? They may wander indoors at night or be accidentally brought in on firewood, plants or clothing. They do not infest homes and will not reproduce indoors. ### How do I get rid of walkingsticks? For a few insects, handpicking at night or relocating them outdoors is effective. For serious garden damage, use physical barriers or consult local extension for targeted control options. ### When will I see them? Adults are most easily seen in summer (June to August), often at night when they feed; nymphs appear after spring hatching. --- More about this species: [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/84286), [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_walkingstick). Identify insects and spiders from a photo with the Insect Scanner iPhone app: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1543946563?pt=126685406&ct=web-markdown&mt=8 Identification from photos is never certain: don't handle insects you can't identify, and get medical advice for bites, stings or allergic reactions.