Extatosoma tiaratum

“Spiny leaf insect”

Figures 85, 86 (lateral, anterior, posterior); 87, 88 (dorsal, anterior, posterior); 89, 90 (ventral, anterior, posterior)

Plates 52 (lateral), 53 (dorsal), 54 (ventral)

The spiny leaf insect Extatosoma tiaratum features a highly networked tracheal system with many lateral commissures and longitudinal connections. The posterior portion of the abdomen features a dense packing of noodlelike visceral tracheae that has morphological similarities to a package of dried ramen noodles, likely important for ventilation of the ovaries during the con- tinuous egg production of adult females. A n -DLT and A n -VLT are discernible in regions, along with larger anatomical features such as the location of spiracles, but the complexity of the specimen calls for a more in-depth analysis than can be presented here. Interested readers are encouraged to view the 3D models in the supplementary digital data.