What is Timema?
Q: What is Timema?
A: Timema is a genus of short-bodied stick insects that are native to the far western United States.
Q: How does Timema compare to other stick insects?
A: Timema is basal compared to other stick insects and is the earliest living branch to diverge from the phylogenetic tree of the Phasmatodea.
Q: What are other stick insects sometimes described as?
A: Other stick insects are sometimes described as "Euphasmatodea" to emphasize that Timema is the earliest living branch to diverge from the phylogenetic tree of the Phasmatodea.
Q: How many of the 21 species of Timema are parthenogenetic?
A: Five of the 21 species of Timema are parthenogenetic.
Q: How long have two species of parthenogenetic Timema been reproducing asexually?
A: Two species of parthenogenetic Timema have been reproducing asexually for a million years, which is the longest known asexual period for any insect.
Q: When are Timema sticks active?
A: Timema sticks are night-feeders and spend the daytime resting on the leaves or bark of plants they feed on.
Q: How do Timema species protect themselves from predators?
A: Timema species are camouflaged and have colors (green, gray, or brown) and patterns (stripes or dots) that match their background, helping them blend in and avoid predators.
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