Melbourne Zoo highlights the Lord Howe Island Stick Insect on Valentine’s Day

To highlight Valentine’s Day the Melbourne Zoo is celebrating the life of the Lord Howe Island Stick Insect.

The Lord Howe Island Stick Insect is one of 21 species on the Zoos Victoria ‘Love Your Locals’ priority list.

The insects love to spend their days in dark areas, with the male clasping the female in a protective embrace.

Their foot pads are also shaped like little love hearts.

The Lord Howe Island Stick Insect has heart shaped padded feet. Photo: Supplied

With a lifespan of just two years, they sure make their love count!

Over 13,500 Lord Howe Island Stick Insects have been hatched since the launch of the Melbourne Zoo breeding program in 2003, with 700 taking up permanent residency at the Zoo.

Sir David Attenborough visits the Melbourne Zoo to inspect a Lord Howe Island Stick Insect in 2012. Photo: Angela Wylie