Unveiling The "Musk Mare": Facts About The Two-Striped Walkingstick

22 May, 2025

Have you ever heard of an insect that goes by a multitude of names, from the unassuming "stick bug" to the evocative "devil's darning needle"? The creature in question, Anisomorpha buprestoides, is a fascinating example of nature's diversity and ingenuity, a master of camouflage and a source of both curiosity and caution.

Commonly found in the southeastern United States, this insect, often referred to as a two-striped walkingstick, or Anisomorpha ferruginea, is a master of disguise. Their shape and color blend seamlessly with their environment, providing excellent camouflage against predators. This insect's appearance and behavior have also earned it a wide array of nicknames, reflecting the many ways humans have observed and interacted with this creature.

Characteristic	Details
Scientific Name	Anisomorpha buprestoides
Common Names	Devil's riding horse, prairie alligator, stick bug, witch's horse, devil's darning needle, scorpion, musk mare, two-striped walkingstick, witchs hose, spitting devil, devil rider
Appearance	Large, stout, brown phasmid with three lengthwise stripes; side stripes are often faint or diffuse; stripe down the middle of the back is usually visible.
Habitat	Southeastern United States
Defense Mechanism	Emits a defensive spray to thwart predators.
Behavior	Wingless, uses camouflage, males sometimes ride on females.
Interesting Fact	The nickname "musk mare" comes from the male's habit of riding on the female's back, which some find reminiscent of a jockey on a horse.
Reference	Wikipedia - Anisomorpha buprestoides

The "musk mare" nickname, for example, stems from the observation that the much smaller males are often found riding on the backs of the females. This unusual behavior has led to this intriguing moniker, reflecting the insect's association with the horse. More often than not, these insects are referred to by the simpler title of the two striped walkingstick ( anisomorpha ferruginea), a reflection of their most distinguishing physical characteristic.

The insect's arsenal includes a potent defensive spray, a tactic believed to ward off potential threats such as ants, beetles, and even small rodents. This potent defense mechanism makes a close encounter with this insect potentially uncomfortable, hence the recommendation to keep your distance.

There is an entire collection of names that have been bestowed upon this creature, each telling a unique story about the interactions humans have had with this insect. From the descriptive, like "stick bug," to the imaginative, such as "devil's darning needle," each term paints a picture of this fascinating insect and its role in the natural world.

The Two-striped walking stick, a common species in Florida, is another name that highlights the insect's prevalence and visibility. Its distinctive markings and relatively large size make it a notable presence in its environment. While the insect is a fascinating study in natural history, it also highlights how certain defensive measures, like a specific spray, can deter potential predators. Given these potential encounters, a degree of caution is always advised when encountering a "devils darning needle," as they are known to be capable of spraying.

Outside of the realm of entomology, the name "musk mare" also appears in other contexts, though in this case, it is unrelated to insects. The term has occasionally been used in role-playing games and other fictional settings, where it might refer to a status effect or a particular character's attribute.

The name "devil's darning needle" is also used for dragonflies. This highlights the way that different species are named, with shared monikers for different insects. This can create potential confusion and underscores the importance of precise identification when discussing the natural world.

While the primary focus of this article is on the insect itself, it is worth noting that the term "musk" can be found in other scenarios. This may include references to perfumes and fragrances, as in the case of "Evoospa Arabian musk with mare milk olive oil soap," which is advertised as a product used to cleanse the skin, offering continuous moisture protection, and is for use on the body, face, and hair.

In a completely different arena, the name "Musk" is synonymous with the innovative entrepreneur, Elon Musk. Musk's journey, starting in 2002 when Paypal was acquired by Ebay for $1.5 billion, the largest shareholder, with 11.7% of the shares, received $176 million. This was just a step in a complex path of business deals, that included Elon Musk's acquisition of the domain x.com, from Paypal, which would happen more than 15 years later, for its "sentimental value".

The influence of Elon Musk extends across different spheres, from technology to space exploration. SpaceX, the company that develops the Starship spacecraft, recently suffered a setback as the spacecraft exploded during a flight. These events are sometimes interlinked, creating an intersection of technology, business, and personal branding. One of the most recent examples of this is how, at the New York Fashion Week, the mother of Elon Musk, Maye Musk, a model and dietitian, has taken center stage.

Characteristic	Details
Name	Maye Musk
Born	April 19, 1948
Occupation	Canadian model and dietitian
Known For	Appearing on the covers of magazines, including a Time Magazine health edition, Women's Day, international editions of Vogue, and Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.
Family	Mother of Elon Musk, Kimbal Musk, and Tosca Musk.
Age	76 years old as of the latest reports.

The story of the insect, the "musk mare," serves as a reminder of the many connections that exist across the natural world and within human society. The insect, known by many names, illustrates the creativity of both nature and humanity. Maye Musk, a model and dietician, continues to break boundaries and inspire with her work and her public presence.

Bug Pictures Two Striped Walkingstick, Palmetto Walkingstick, Devil

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(Anisomorpha buprestoides)Devil Rider, or Musk Mare . Weekiwachee

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