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Achrioptera is a taxon of extremely large and exceptionally colorful stick insects endemic to Madagascar and the Comoros Archipelago. We studied the phylogenetic position of the Achriopterini, comprising the genera Achrioptera and Glawiana, based on a multigene phylogeny and concluded that it is a sister group to other Madagascan phasmids (Anisacanthidae) rather than to Neotropical or Australo-Pacific groups as was suggested in a previous study based on morphology. Our results also point to unresolved relationships (potential paraphyly of Achrioptera), taxonomic issues (elevation of A. punctipes cliquennoisi to species level), and detection of cryptic diversity (in A. impennis), demonstrating the need of additional research. A DNA barcoding approach based on COI sequences of Achrioptera species revealed a clear discrimination between closely related and morphologically similar species. Applying integrative taxonomy using multiple lines of evidence, we demonstrated that the well-known species with blue males from Montagne des Français and Foret d'Orangea in the far north of Madagascar, previously attributed to Achrioptera fallax, represents a new species, which we describe as Achrioptera manga sp. nov. based on morphological, chromatic, and genetic (mitochondrial and nuclear) differences. We also describe a second new giant species from this massif: Achrioptera maroloko sp. nov. is among the largest insects (females reaching up to 24 cm total length) and differs from its sister species A. spinosissima from western Madagascar in morphology, coloration, and substantial DNA barcode divergence. These magnificent new species confirm the significance of the Montagne des Français area as a hotspot of biodiversity and microendemism. The biogeographic pattern of the species pair A. fallax/A. manga is paralleled by species pairs of reptiles and amphibians suggesting a similar evolutionary history. Finally, we discuss the sexual dichromatism of Achrioptera species with conspicuous males and mostly cryptic females. As possible reasons, we consider female mate choice and divergent habits of males and females, but aposematism combined with toxic substances produced in defense glands or accumulated in the insect's body from nutritional plants are more plausible explanations for this phenomenon.
Figure 4. Living specimens of the newly described species of Achrioptera. (A) A. fallax, adult male, captive-bred, reared from eggs of a female from Ankarana (FGZC 1853); (B) A. fallax, mating couple from Daraina (Bekaraoka) (photo by Louis Nusbaumer); (C) A. fallax, adult female with exposed wings from Ankarana National Park (FGZC 1853); (D) A. manga, adult male paratype (FGZC 1334) from Foret d'Orangea; (E) A. manga, adult female; (F) A. spinosissima, adult male reared from eggs collected at Marofandilia, near the type locality in west Madagascar (photo by Bruno Kneubühler); (G) A. maroloko sp. nov., adult male paratype (FGZC 4052) reared from eggs collected at Montagne des Français in dorsolateral view; (H) A. maroloko, adult female paratype (FGZC 4055), bred in captivity from ancestors of Montagne des Français (photo by Moritz Grubenmann).
Stick insects, also known as walking sticks, are some of the most camouflaged and well-adapted creatures on the planet. They resemble the sticks of the trees on which they live and will even sway like a branch would in the wind. There are 3,000 species of walking sticks in the world, and their calm nature makes people often keep them as pets. While most stick insects have extremely interesting behavior, they are not known for their beauty. This is not the case with Achrioptera fallax. The males that belong to this species are a bright turquoise with orange spines and red antennae. Meanwhile the females, which are much larger and light brown, are much more equipped to camouflage in its habitat. This essay will focus on A.fallax history, life history, morphology and behavior.
Achrioptera fallax is found only on the island country of Madagascar, which has a variety of endemic species due to its separation from Africa. Millions of years ago, Madagascar and Africa were connected and shared the same species, but then due to continental drift Madagascar and Africa became two different bodies of land. This left the species on Madagascar to evolve separately from the African species, which resulted in entirely new species only found in Madagascar. Achrioptera fallax is one of those endemic species and is found on the Northern side of the island. Charles Coquerel, a French entomologist, found and named this species in 1861 (World Public Library). However it was first bred and studied in captivity very recently (2007) by Frank Glaw, a German herpetologist (Phasmatodea.com).Therefore, much of the information regarding A.fallaxis relatively new.
The life history of A.fallax is more complicated than most other walking sticks; most walking sticks are strictly parthenogenic, meaning that females do not need males to produce offspring. However A.fallax are facultative parthenogens which means that they reproduce sexually, but females can still reproduce asexually if there are no males around to mate with (The Orthopterists Society). After mating the female lays about 40-50 eggs and they drop to the forest floor. Generally the eggs go unnoticed because they have evolved to look like seeds and after 4 months the eggs hatch, revealing the small brown nymphs inside.
The nymphs will eventually develop into the slim turquoise male or will become the much larger, thicker brown female. Both the male and female have tiny, flightless wings relative to their long bodies. They flash these red wings to predators to startle them off. The spikes on their limbs are used to pinch predators between their legs if they can, which sounds like a difficult maneuver.These walking sticks eat almost any leaf they can find and can be agricultural pests, so they are not allowed in California. According to those who keep A.fallax as pets, they love to eat raspberry and eucalyptus leaves (sa-chameleons.com). 59ce067264