Lord Howe Island where the stick insects were abundant before accidental introduction of black rats in 1918.

X-ray of a Lord Howe Island stick insect named Eve, who along with Adam started the captive breeding in 2003. 

Lord Howe Island Stick Insect eggs. Females lay about 250 eggs in a lifetime, not many compared to other stick insects that lay around 1000.

The Lord Howe Island Stick Insect nymph folds up “like a paperclip” to fit inside the small egg, said Rohan Cleave, breeding program manager at Melbourne Zoo.

Lord Howe Island Stick Insect hatching photo entry, Australian Museum 2012.

The stick insects hatch between six and nine months.

The wild population of the Lord Howe Island stick insect, which is listed as critically endangered, is estimated to be less than 40.

Previously thought to have gone extinct, the species was rediscovered on Balls Pyramid, a mostly barren rock 23km away from Lord Howe Island.

It is still a mystery how the insects ended up on Balls Pyramid.

The stick insects grow to around 10-12cm long.

The Lord Howe Island stick insect is often nicknamed ‘land lobster’ because of its size.

The stick insects are very particular about their environment, needing 70-80% humidity and warm, steady temperature ranges.

Young stick insects, called nymphs, start life green before they develop their famous black exoskeleton. 

During the 19th century, this large insect prowled Lord Howe Island in such numbers that fishermen would use them as bait.

Eve, the breeding program’s first female stick insect, was close to death after laying only 10 eggs.

Maintaining a vigil by her side, Patrick revived Eve at 3am with a concoction of plants and vitamins fed through an eyedropper.

Sir David Attenborough visited Melbourne Zoo to see the stick insects.

13,000 hatchlings have recently emerged, a massive milestone for a population that was once thought extinct.

Join the AG Society’s annual scientific expedition on Lord Howe Island this October 2016. 

Run in partnership with Pinetrees Lodge and the Lord Howe Island Board, this scientific expedition is an opportunity for 20 readers to enjoy bushwalks and nature experiences, while also helping scientists from the Australian Museum to survey endemic snails, beetles and other insects that are thought to be close to extinction.

Find out more.