Superfamily Anareolatae Higher classification Phasmids | Suborder Verophasmatodea Scientific name Phasmatidae Rank Family | |
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Lower classifications Extatosoma tiaratum, Medauroidea extradentata, Eurycantha calcarata, Dryococelus australis, Eurycnema goliath | ||
The Phasmatidae are a family of the stick insects (order Phasmatodea). They belong to the superfamily Anareolatae of suborder Verophasmatodea.
Like many of their relatives, the Phasmatidae are capable of regenerating limbs and commonly reproduce by parthenogenesis. Despite their bizarre, even threatening appearance, they are harmless to humans.
The Phasmatidae contain some of the largest insects in existence. The recently discovered Chan's megastick (Phobaeticus chani) of the Clitumninae (sometimes placed in the Phasmatinae) can grow to a total length of over 0.5 m (20 in); it is the longest living insect known.
Subfamilies
Following the Phasmid Study Group, nine subfamilies are recognized in the Phasmatidae. Other treatments differ, sometimes recognizing as few as six.
The Lonchodinae were historically often placed in the Diapheromeridae, the other family of the Anareolatae. The Phasmatinae are often expanded to include the two tribes here separated as the Clitumninae, while the Extatosomatinae are similarly included in the Tropidoderinae as a tribe.
The subfamilies are:
In addition, a number of Phasmatidae taxa are here considered incertae sedis: