Aquatic Stick Insect Macro - a photo on Flickriver

            The aquatic stick insect, called a Ranatra, is a fresh water ambush predator. It remains motionless for long periods, waiting for unsuspecting insects or small tadpoles to swim within its grasp. This fearsome, alien looking creature is actually quite skittish. After years of trying, I was finally able to get close enough to shoot a detailed macro. 

A Ranatra’s actual circumference is similar to a half-dollar coin. What appears to be a frightening stinger on its rear is actually the mechanism through which it breathes and is unrelated to self-defense.

Taken on: March 22, 2025

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stick insect

insects

predators

nature

beauty

mysterious

ambush

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Sets appears in: • Amphibian Nursery VIII

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