I spotted these two Phasmatodea outside today, the first time I’ve ever seen more than a single such insect at once.

These bugs are known to be difficult to find in the wild, because they keep still when people are near, which allows them to remain hidden as they blend in with sticks, twigs, and so on.

In fact, I’ve never spotted one in the woods, only when they’ve happened to be against the plain background of our house.

I’m taking a guess that I came upon them mating.

Perhaps Paul Riddell or Elizabeth Moon, who also chronicle the outside world, could tell me whether that’s indeed what’s going on!