Pseudophasmatoidea

Rock Springs Run State Reserve, Lake County, FL, July 2014.

Cool walking stick by a house light. Location v. approx.

Cool walking stick by a house light. Location v. approx.

Found dead in my pond. Measures about 69 mm, so it must be a female.

Found dead in my pond. Measures about 69 mm, so it must be a female.

Found dead in my pond. Measures about 69 mm, so it must be a female.

No idea what this is. Was about 4 inches long, laying in a dry sandy stream bed.

I'm not sure if these insects were killed by heavy rains or vehicle traffic. I don't recall seeing anything like them before.

I was surprised to see these two on a tree this morning. It was 20 F the day before.

smaller male on females back

Saw two pairs on one night and never got to see them again! Was careful not to get my face too close to them.

Visited the plant section at Lowe's in my neighborhood when I heard upset voices and questions like "Does it sting?" Walked over to see what the ruckus was about and found two employees keeping a safe distance to this couple - no stingers, but called "Spitting Devils" due to glands that can produce a chemical spray. They are now in a container at my home. No one was hurt during the transfer. :-)

Washington County, Florida

Washington County, Florida

The rain brings out the most interesting things!