The Multi-Week Lockup
Some stick insects remain coupled during mating for up to 10 weeks — among the longest mating sessions of any animal.
While most animals finish mating in minutes (or seconds), some stick insects stay connected for weeks at a time. Researchers have documented matings lasting several weeks to over two months in some species.
Why would any animal mate for so long? It's all about mate guarding.
By physically staying attached to the female, the male ensures that: - No other males can mate with her - All her eggs are fertilized by his sperm - He doesn't have to waste energy finding another mate
For the male, it's an investment. He can't eat much while attached, but he guarantees his genes get passed on.
Females actually continue eating and moving around normally during this extended coupling, dragging the smaller male along with them. Some species' females barely seem to notice the male's presence.
This strategy works because stick insects are masters of camouflage — they look like twigs and branches. Staying still for weeks isn't a problem when your entire survival strategy is based on not moving.
Not all stick insects mate this long, but many species engage in couplings lasting hours to days. The marathon sessions are most common in species with intense male competition.