The insect in the viral “creature from hell” video is a walking stick insect, not a stick-insect–scorpion hybrid. Western Australian Museum Curator of Entomology Nikolai Tatarnic said it was likely in the genus Paronchestus and probably P. cornutus, but he did not confirm the species. He described its dramatic movements as a defensive startle display and said phasmids are herbivores and non-venomous.
What insect is in the “creature from hell” video?
Tatarnic identified the insect as a phasmid, or walking stick insect, in the family Phasmatidae. The blue-grey insect’s fanned wings and abdomen moving in a stabbing motion made it look to viewers like a mash-up of a stick insect and a scorpion, but the museum curator’s assessment was that it was a walking stick insect.
![Australian Beetles [OP]: Morphology, Classification and Keys](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ti070IQIL._SL160_.jpg)
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
His more specific identification was tentative: “We think the insect in the clip is the genus Paronchestus, probably P. cornutus, as it closely resembles a specimen in our collection, which was collected from Laverton.” That resemblance supports a likely identification, not a confirmed species-level determination.
Was it really filmed in Laverton?
PerthNow reported that the uploader said the insect had been seen in Laverton, an outback town in Western Australia. That is the uploader’s reported location; the news account does not independently authenticate where the clip was recorded. The museum specimen Tatarnic mentioned was collected from Laverton, but a similar specimen is not proof that the video was filmed there.
#1 Best Overall
Why does the insect move like it is striking?
Tatarnic interpreted the display as defensive rather than an attack. Some phasmids use threat or startle displays, also called deimatic behaviour, to deter potential predators. In this clip, the fanned wings and forceful-looking abdomen movements can appear alarming, but they are not evidence that the insect is a scorpion or preparing to sting.
He said phasmids are herbivores and are not venomous. That expert statement addresses their diet and venom; it is not a guarantee that every insect encounter or contact is harmless, so avoid handling an unfamiliar insect.
Rank #2
How viral was the clip?
Harriet Flinn’s PerthNow report, published July 12, 2023, said the TikTok clip had more than 10 million views at the time of publication. That is a historical figure reported in 2023, not a current view count.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Why are walking sticks so easy to miss?
Tatarnic said phasmids occur across Australia and are often unseen because their camouflage helps them blend into their surroundings. Their familiar stick-like appearance is one form of concealment; the dramatic threat display in the video is a different strategy, used by some species when camouflage alone is not enough.
PerthNow’s July 12, 2023 report published Tatarnic’s identification and explanation of the display. Independent Online’s July 24, 2023 coverage also described the insect as a walking stick and its movements as defensive.
Quick Recap
Best Value
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
