Mexican Walkingstick
Sermyle mexicana
This record describes Sermyle mexicana (species). Recorded family: Diapheromeridae. Recorded order: Phasmida.
Identification and Appearance
Middle femur and fifth abdominal segment conspicuously lobed. Known only from females , it could be parthenogenic. (comment per Paul Lenhart, 2010)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Phasmida (Walkingsticks)
- Family
- Diapheromeridae
- Genus
- Sermyle
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
In North America, limited to Brownsville, Cameron Co., Texas.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Huisache - Acacia
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Orig. Comb: Acanthoderus mexicanus Saussure, 1859
About Walkingsticks: the wider group
Order-level background for Phasmida, the group containing Sermyle mexicana. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Phasmida (stick insects and leaf insects) includes ~3,000 described species. The longest insect ever discovered is a stick insect - Phryganistria chinensis Zhao - measuring 64 cm (25.2 inches) found in China in 2016.
Ecological role of the group
Many stick insect species can reproduce without mating (parthenogenesis) - entire populations can consist of only females. Their eggs often mimic plant seeds and are dispersed by ants, which carry them to their nests.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Stick insects are among the most popular pet insects worldwide. The Indian stick insect (Carausius morosus) is widely used in schools and laboratories for biology education and genetic research.
Recorded sources for this group: Guinness World Records, entomology research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Mexican Walkingstick (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Abigail Parker; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Mexican Walkingstick
What is Mexican Walkingstick?
Mexican Walkingstick (Sermyle mexicana) is a species in the family Diapheromeridae, within the order Phasmida.
How big is Mexican Walkingstick?
85-90 mm
How do you identify Mexican Walkingstick?
Middle femur and fifth abdominal segment conspicuously lobed.
Where is Mexican Walkingstick found?
Range: In North America, limited to Brownsville, Cameron Co., Texas.
What does Mexican Walkingstick eat?
The diet of the Mexican Walkingstick includes Huisache - Acacia.