The extatosoma tiaratum is also known as the spiny leaf insect, or Macleay's Spectre. You may call this one Pablo, since that is what his owner, Gregor, named him. If I encountered one of these, I'd probably scream and reach for the nearest can of Raid. Others, however, have found that these enormous bugs make for great pets. All they need is a terrarium, something to climb on, eucalyptus leaves, and some water.

I wish my kids were that low maintenance. That's the trade-off, though: ugly and easy, or cute and difficult.

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