As it turns out, the animatronic-looking critter is actually completely harmless, according to bug experts.
“This is a walking stick insect, in the family Phasmatidae,” Aussie entomologist Nikolai Tatarnic told News.com.au. “Phasmids are herbivores and are not venomous.”
He explained that along with its signature camouflage — i.e., parroting a stick — some species of walking sticks engage in threat displays to “ward off potential predators.”
“The terrifying display in the video is all a ruse, but it clearly works,” Tatarnic said.
Despite the walking sticks’ striking defense tactics and massive size — they can grow to 10-inches long — the herbivores are seldom seen due to their impeccable camouflage, he explained.