6-7-2024 ROTTERDAM ZOO, NETHERLANDS - GIANT DIAPHERODE (Diapherodes gigantea)

Diapherodes gigantea is a striking stick insect belonging to the family Phasmatidae. One of its many remarkable features, besides the fascinating sexual dimorphism displayed by adult individuals, consists in its large size, which makes this insect one of the most demanded and appreciated by phasmid breeders.

This beautiful creature is a female stick insect of a species known only by its scientific name of DIAPHERODES GIGANTEA. In the wild it is found on several Caribbean islands including Grenada, where they spend much of their time hiding in (and eating) the leaves of Eucalyptus trees and other native tree species.