A phasmid will usually live from one to two years, depending on the species. Some species are completely or partially parthenogenetic. Phasmids have exoskeletons, meaning that the apparatus which provides structure to their bodies is on the outside. Females commonly molt 6 times, and males 5. This means that females have 7 instars, and males have 6.
Instars are the stages during the life cycle between molts.
Sometimes when Phasmids are disturbed, they will lay motionless for hours. They will usually stop playing dead and perk up at nighttime when they do most of their feeding anyway. Another reaction to being disturbed is a swaying movement evolved to mimic sticks or leaves blowing in the wind. And if a gentle breeze is applied, many species will begin to feed. It makes them feel more comfortable about moving.