Taraxippus samarae (commonly known as the Mossy Stick Insect) is a recently described species of phasmid native to the rainforests of Costa Rica and Panama. Formally described in 2020, it is highly valued for its extreme "mossy" camouflage that mimics the lichen and mosses found in its natural habitat. 
 
Biological Description
Appearance: They are medium-sized stick insects with a body length ranging from 45.8 mm to 54.2 mm. Their color consists of various shades of brown with irregular green markings that provide a cryptic "mossy" look.
Sexual Dimorphism:
Males: Measure roughly 5 cm; they are fully winged but generally do not fly. They feature antler-shaped protrusions on the head and spines on the thorax.
Females: Slightly larger (5–7 cm) and more robust than males. They are wingless and covered in multi-spined growths and leaf-like lobes on their legs.
Eggs: Approximately 3–4 mm long and 1–2 mm wide, they are dark brown with unique branched "fringes" around the edges. 
 
Habitat and Ecology
Distribution: Found primarily in the Limón province of Costa Rica (specifically Siquirres and Pocoá) and the Omar Torrijos National Park in Panama.
Diet: In captivity and nature, they are known to feed on ferns, bramble, and occasionally witch hazel.
Environment: They require a high-humidity environment to thrive. 
 
Naming and Discovery
The species was named by Conle, Hennemann, and Valero in 2020 after Samara, the daughter of Juerg Sommerhalder, who discovered the primary specimens (holotype and paratypes) in March 2018.