She goes by several names…the Goddess, the Queen, “Diana”, or many just call her YIKES!!
Her official name is Extatosoma Tiaratum
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extatosoma_tiaratum
In the 7 or so years I have raised them, she is my biggest and longest living Giant Spiny Australian Leaf Bug so far (almost 2 years) and she is really amazing. He body is fat with eggs and if I’m not careful I will have a huge invasion of babies next summer!
You can read more about these amazing creatures on these posts…
Yikes is right! Why in God’s name do you have such a creature? It is like a praying mantis and twig bug combined? What is their purpose? It looks rather ominous and I’d not like that running around my house. To begin with I don’t like bugs even though I know they serve a purpose. (sigh) Great sharing though!! I learned something new.
The answer to WHY I have these creatures is a long story but the very short version is in one of the first things I ever wrote. Check it out the Seeker’s Dungeon and let me know what you think!
https://theseekersdungeon.com/2015/11/20/walking-with-intention-day-20-by-kathie-arcide/
I left a comment on the post. Liked it!