Several times in the past, I mentioned the two-striped walking stick bugs. When I was a curious tyke, I was given plenty of warnings to steer clear of the critters. "Spit Tobaccos can spit at you and you will be hurt." Pop let my curiosity be sated with exploration of most critters but not ones that would cause harm. I was allowed to hold non-venomous snakes and spiders, catch beetles, play with squirrels, rabbits and even baby fox but, at the same time, I was taught to respect all critters and give the harmful ones plenty of space. In other words, I was encouraged to "view those from a safe distance". The two-striped walking stick can cause severe pain and even a temporary blindness with its "spit". I still follow Pop's rules...somewhat.
As I was watering the garden, a slight movement in a potted amaryllis made me take a closer look. As the leaves were pushed aside, a walking stick came inching out and sat on the outer edge of a leaf. It moved no further even though I busily watered the other plants for a full twenty minutes. The bug sat there as if to inform me of its presence in hopes that I would not further disturb its peace. I did not. The bug (or in this case, bugs) and I shared the space with not further ado.
Most folks would have been a bit squeamish about having the walking stick nearby. Just the thought of a 5 inch long, "tobacco juice" spitting bug can prove to be daunting to some. I, on the other hand, go by the mantra of live and let live..as much as possible. With the walking stick, I may come to regret this decision as they do eat plants. For now, the critter can live in peace as long as it does not spit. Spitting is disgusting in all forms!
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