Daily Living Aids |
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Walking Sticks
Stick insects, or walking sticks, are a group of highly camouflaged insects. They escape predation by blending into plant material. As their name implies, they look just like sticks with legs, and even sway back and forth to more closely resemble a twig moving in the wind. When camouflage isn’t enough, some species have evolved the ability to release foul-smelling chemicals to deter predators, and others can secrete a liquid that temporarily blinds their foe. Others drop their legs when a predator attacks but can re-grow the appendages. Some species are winged and flash bright color patches under the wings to confuse predators.
Size: Depending on the species, stick insects can grow from 1 to 12 inches long, with males usually bigger than the females. The biggest insects in the world are stick insects—one species measures over 20 inches long with its legs outstretched.
Habitat: Stick insects live in woodlands and tropical forests.
Range: Found on every continent except Antarctica, mostly in temperate and tropical regions.
Life History and Reproduction: Stick insects are a favorite food of many animals, but perhaps their most effective predators are bats. Most bats hunt by echolocation rather than sight, so they aren’t fooled by the insect’s stick-like appearance. Stick insects are one of many species that can reproduce parthenogenetically, meaning that the females can produce unfertilized eggs that hatch and grow into new females. Females lay eggs that are seed-like in appearance, and they have numerous egg-laying mechanisms to keep predators away. Some lay eggs in places that are hidden or hard to get to. Others drop eggs one by one on the ground so that they’re not all in one place for a predator to find. Newly hatched stick insects reach adult size once they’ve undergone several molts, whereby they shed their old exoskeleton.
Fun Fact: Stick insects are found in the same group as leaf insects, which also display fantastic camouflage.
Walking Canes vs. Walking Sticks
While they often seem to be interchangeable words, walking sticks and walking canes are actually two very different types of product with different uses. Many people get them mixed up, but if you read on, you will be one of the elite few who know the difference between walking sticks and canes.
Hiking Stick |
Hiking Stick, on the other hand, are mainly items of fashion. They are often not designed to take any weight at all, as they are little more than accessories. They can be made from a wide variety of materials, and their handles can get very elaborate- and uncomfortable! Trying to put your weight on a knob handle could result in severe discomfort or pain in your hand and wrist. Be careful when using a walking stick, and be aware that they truly are accessories rather than walking canes.
So there you have it; the difference between walking sticks and canes is one of form vs. function, of style vs. practicality. Don’t be fooled into thinking a walking stick can serve as a mobility aid- they may be flashy and attractive, but a strong, solid, comfortable cane will last longer and provide greater comfort. And in the end, that safety is far more important than a walking stick handle shaped like a duck.
Walking aids |
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