Aguiar, António M. F.Aguin-Pombo, DoraGonçalves, Ysabel M.2020-09-212020-09-212014Aguiar AMF, Pombo DA, Gonçalves YM. 2014. Identification, rearing, and distribution of stick insects of Madeira Island: an example of raising biodiversity awareness. Journal of Insect Science 14(49). Available online: http://www.insectscience.org/14.49http://hdl.handle.net/10400.13/2890Two species of stick insects are currently known to be present in the Macaronesian archipelagos: Clonopsis gallica (Charpentier) (Phasmatodea: Bacillidae) on the Canary Islands and in the Azores and Carausius morosus (Sinéty) (Phasmatidae) in the Azores. Here, we provide the first reliable records of the presence and distribution of C. gallica and C. morosus on Madeira Island. Egg and adult stages are briefly described along with some notes on the life history of these species in captivity. Data on island-wide distribution are based on specimens donated by the public in response to an article published in a daily newspaper. This method of data collection raised great popular interest in stick insects. The role of newspapers as a means of communicating awareness in biodiversity issues is discussed.engStick insects of Madeira IslandRaising biodiversity awarenessClonopsis gallicaCarausius morosusMadeira (Portugal).Faculdade de Ciências da Vidajournal article