Clitarchus rakauwhakanekeneke facts for kids

Clitarchus rakauwhakanekeneke is a special kind of stick insect. It belongs to a common group of stick insects found in New Zealand called Clitarchus. This unique insect lives only on the Poor Knights Islands.

Meet the Poor Knights Stick Insect

This stick insect is a medium-sized insect. It is quite strong and does not have wings. Its body can be green or a mix of brown and grey. It often has small bumps and spines on its back. These features help it blend in with its surroundings.

What It Eats

The Clitarchus rakauwhakanekeneke eats leaves from several types of plants. These include Metrosideros perforata and põhutakawa (Metrosideros excelsa). It also enjoys manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and kanuka (Kunzea spp.). Other plants it eats are tall mingimingi (Leucopogon fasciculatus), Coprosma sp., and some types of grasses.

Where It Lives

This stick insect lives only on the Poor Knights Islands. These islands are about 22 kilometers (14 miles) off the eastern coast of the Northland area. It has been found on two of the main islands: Tawhiti Rahi and Aorangi.

Its Discovery and Name

The species was first noticed by J. C. Watt in 1982. He thought it might be a special type of Clitarchus hookeri. Later, in 2014, scientists Buckley, Myers, and Bradler officially described and named it.

Its scientific name, rakauwhakanekeneke, comes from the Māori language. It means "the stick that moves." The Ngāti Wai people of Northland, who are the guardians of the Poor Knights Islands, chose this name.

Why It's Safe

The Clitarchus rakauwhakanekeneke is safe on the Poor Knights Islands. This is because there are no wasps or mammals that hunt them there. Also, there are many plants for them to eat. This helps make sure the species can survive and thrive.