Micrarchus hystriculeus
This is one of our smallest stick insects and uses a combination of camouflage and large spines to avoid being eaten.
Although they might be one of our smallest stick insect species, don’t let their size fool you! Equipped with weapons to deter predators, Micrarchus hystriculeus is dubbed the double-spined stick insect due to the two rows of large spines covering its back. Like many other insects, females are bigger than the males, measuring around 5 cm long. Their brown colour allows them to camouflage easily against the bark of trees, hiding away from potential predators. They feed on plant leaves, primarily eating manuka, ribbonwood and lacebark. Research has shown that this species can tolerate very low temperatures by using a cold tolerance strategy called freeze avoidance.
Small but mighty, these spiny critters are the perfect nominee for Bug of the Year 2026!
Check these links for more info on the Double-Spined Stick Insect in NZ
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