Vinestrangler

Vitis strangulari

Vinestrangler is an insect in the order Phasmatodea, this stick-bug has evolved to resemble the vine-ridden canopy of the deep jungle. The Vinestrangler hangs vine-like tendrils that surround its body long maw waiting for prey to come within range to be snared. Once entangled the prey item will be hauled up into the maw with leads directly into the stomach. When encased, the stomach will flood with acidic enzymes to melt down the prey while it is still alive. This digestion process lasts 72 hours. To avoid becoming prey themselves, the Vinestranglers seamlessly blend into the canopy with their plant-like appearance. This camouflage is so efficient that research into where the creature ends and where the trees it hangs in begin.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Cohort: Polyneoptera
(unranked): Anartioptera
Magnorder: Polyorthoptera
Superorder: Orthopterida
Order: Phasmatodea
Suborder: Verophasmatodea
Infraorder Areolatae
Superfamily: Phyllioidea
Family: Phylliidae

Genus: Vitis

Species: V. strangulari