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Sosibia nigrispina Stal, 1875
| Family Name: | Heteronemiidae |
| Taxonomic Group: | Invertebrates (Stick Insect) |
| Common Name: | Spike-headed Flying Stick |
Name
Ecology, Habitat & Location
| Ecological Notes | A very specialised feeder, capable of flight, hence it is able to search out its food plants easily. It may be found in primary and in undisturbed secondary forests as long as its food plants are present. It requires a very humid environment. |
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| Habitats | Forest, Terrestrial |
| Distribution | Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo. This species is rare throughout its range. Specimens are normally found attracted to light only. The present author has only seen one specimen from Singapore. This was found by the author at Upper Peirce Road. It was previously misdiagnosed as Diacanthoidea diacanthos in A Guide to the Stick and Leaf Insects of Singapore (Seow-Choen, 1997). |
| Nature Reserves | Central Catchment Nature Reserve |
Conservation
| Trends & Threats | The main threat to these phasmids is the destruction of their food plants. Some of these species are rarely seen because their food plants are rare. Other reasons for their scarcity may be due to other very specific environmental requirements such as humidity, light and temperature. All are very sensitive to misuse of insecticides. |
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| Scientific Interest & Potential Value | Of interest for their ability to regenerate lost limbs, during their nymphal stages, and their ability to reproduce by parthenogenesis. They are part of Singapore's natural heritage. |
| Conservation Notes | Conservation of forests and preservation of the original forest habitats are most important for the continued survival of these species. |
Status
| Species Status | Native |
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| Singapore Red Data Book Status | Vulnerable (VU) [2008] |
Photos
References
| References | Davison, G.W.H., Ng, P.K.L. & Ho, H.C (Eds.). 2008. The Singapore Red Data Book (2nd Edition). Singapore: Nature Society (Singapore). 285pp |
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