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The praying mantis is a close relative of walking sticks.
Biology
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Walking sticks belong to the scientific order of insects known as phasmids (Phasmatodea). Their bodies are designed to mimic the sticks or twigs of plants that they inhabit. They are found mainly in the tropics and subtropics, but some species have adapted to cooler climates. There are 2,500 to 3,000 different species of walking sticks; the largest is the 13-inch Phobaeticus kirbyi that is found in Borneo.
Walking sticks are parthenogenic--the females can reproduce without mating. In fact, many populations of walking sticks contain very few males at all. Walking sticks typically eat vegetation. Some varieties defend themselves with noxious liquids, or sharp barbs on their legs.
Natural History
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Walking sticks have been found millions of years back in the fossil record. They are interesting because they seem to have evolved, lost and re-evolved wings during their evolution--a very unusual feat.
Modern walking sticks can be found in North and South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia. The many different species are native to these regions; they are often introduced as pets to other regions and survive and thrive in climates similar to their own.
The Perfect Pet
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Most walking sticks rely on not being seen as their defense. They are docile and can make good pets and lab animals--they have even been on several NASA space flights. A particularly popular species is the Indian walking stick. The Indian walking stick originated in forested regions in Southern India.
These animals can be kept alive in a relatively small container and fed common lettuce. They cannot fly, and they walk very slowly, making it easy for students to handle them (gently). You can get Indian walking sticks at pet stores--where they are legal. They should not be kept as pets in temperate or warm regions because they could escape and become pests in the wild. Check regulations to see if it is legal to keep Indian walking sticks in your area. In North America it is illegal to keep Indian walking sticks without a permit.
Unwanted Pests
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San Diego is a center of walking stick infestation. Because the Indian walking stick (and other species) can reproduce without mating, it poses a risk as a pest in environments where it can survive in the wild. They are popular in Northern Europe, where they cannot survive outside during the winter.
Released or escaped walking sticks have become a nuisance in areas like San Diego, California. They eat vegetation in gardens, from trees and other foliage.
Warning
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Keeping an imported walking stick as a pet requires a permit in all of North America and many other areas. Native species should be approached with care; many defend themselves with noxious liquids or sharp spines that can harm people and pets.
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Where Did the Walking Stick Originate?
Walking sticks are interesting insects that have existed for millions of years--they are fairly common in the fossil record. There are many varieties throughout tropical and temperate climates around the world. Some varieties make interesting pets and are even useful for classroom experiments because they are easy to keep and are docile. Most walking sticks are vegetarians, so if pets escape they can become problems if they survive in the wild.